GAA: League opener sees slow start for Galway, Jimmy's back winning matches

The first round of the Allianze National Football League is hardly a solid sign of things to come later in the season, but this weekend's action did throw up some interesting encounters.

After Saturday's seven fixtures, there were nine games on Sunday's agenda.

Up in Division One, Connacht rivals Galway and Mayo met at Pearse Stadium in the early fixture, before Roscommon travelled to Helay Park to face Tyrone.

In Salthill, the Tribesmen did little to cause any major concern for Kevin McStay's men.

An early goal from Eoghan McLaughlin had Mayo in control throughout, with Kieran Joyce's side unable to find the get up and go to close the deficit.

A late penalty from Cillian O'Connor was the final blow, ending the game 2-12 to 0-10 for Mayo.

GOAL! @MayoGAA Cillian O'Connor from the spot - never in doubt! #GAANOW pic.twitter.com/vSwaCTCPT3

— The GAA (@officialgaa) January 28, 2024

Up North, there were wintry conditions in Omagh where Tyrone welcomed the Rossies.

Evenly matched, the game was tight throughout, with just one point seperating the counties at the break.

Tyrone pushed on from the restart, extending their lead to five points just beyond the hour mark.

By the final whistle, the gap was back to three, but nonetheless, it was victory for Tyrone on a scoreline of 0-17 to 1-11.

In Division Two, Donegal got off to a bright start with the return of All-Ireland winning manager Jim McGuinness, taking a big win over Cork in Ballybofey.

An early goal for Cork boosted the visitors, but battling a tough wind, they failed to truely find their feet.

Having settled after the goal, Donegal found their rhythm, racking up points to keep the Rebels at bay. The final blow came with just minutes remaining, as Paddy McBrearty got in to