Limerick champions Patrickswell, owed much to star inter-county player, Gary Kirby, as they contained a tremendous challenge from Kerry standardbearers, Ballyheigue, in this first round game at Ballyheigue yesterday.

The Limerick man, who started at full-forward and later moved to the 40, accounted for a staggering 1-10 of his side's total and in the process gave an exhibition of marksmanship.

In the circumstances, the visitors were perhaps fortunate that Kirby was in such vintage form because they were pressed all the way by a Ballyheighue side which hurled with unyielding resolve against their more fancied opponents.

The sides were level four times in the opening half as the Kerry title holders matched their rivals in every phase of the game.

Kirby struck for his side's only goal of the game in the 18th minute.

Ballyheigue hit back with two points from frees by mid-fielder Brendan O'Sullivan .

Patrickswell led by 1-4 to 0-6 at half-time.

Kirby pushed Patrickswell further ahead with two points on the restart. But Ballyheigue came storming back. Wing forward Ger Lucid grabbed a point and he whipped a ground ball to the net in the 42nd minute. The game was tied once more (1-7 apiece).

Barry Foley put Patrickswell back in front with a point but Michael Slattery levelled matters yet again with a 47th minute point.