Having lead for a lot of the match, they were beaten by the narrowest of margins.
Ireland are already on the back foot as they look to qualify for October’s World Cup finals.
Adam Griggs’ side were beaten 8-7 by Spain in Parma.
Kilcormac lock Nichola Fryday was in the starting 15 for the opening round tie.
Earlier today, tournament hosts Italy ran in six tries as they beat Scotland 38-points to 13.
Only the group winners qualify for New Zealand, and Ireland face Italy on Sunday.
Offaly Rider Dominates Mondello Masters Opening Rounds
Edenderry's Kevin Keyes hit a hat-trick in the Superbike category.
Westmeath Under 20s Face Tough Test To Progress To Final
There's also a midlands derby this weekend in the Leinster Minor Hurling Championship.
Westmeath Struggles Are A Credit To Kerry - Tommy Doyle
The Lough Lene Gaels man reflects on a disappointing performance by Westmeath.
Nicole Turner Taking On Best Of Europe In Madeira
Roisin Ni Riain has already won two medals for Ireland at the championships.
O'Rourke Sisters Fighting For More Major Medals Today
The Ballinasloe sisters are fighting for European bronze medals today.
Words Fail Me - Offaly Manager Left Shocked At Loss To Laois
Johnny Kelly's side were in control of their championship opener for the first 50 minutes.
Westmeath Fight Back To Secure Championship Opening Draw Against Offaly
Westmeath recovered from a strong Offaly start in Mullingar to retrieve a draw.
I Want The Blame To Fall On Me - Joe Fortune
The Westmeath manager is reacting after his side suffered a costly defeat.
Goal Of The Season Contender Secures Athlone First Away Win
Carl Mujaguzi's volley won Athlone three points in Tralee on Friday.
Laois Enjoy Sun Kissed Comeback Victory Over Offaly
Willie Maher's men looked out of the contest midway through only to come roaring back.
Westmeath Will Enjoy "Competition Of Equals"
Gerry Buckley looks forward to Westmeath's championship opener.
Laois Ready To Leave League Campaign Behind
The O'Moore County return to senior championship action.
Town Looking To Secure Progress In All-Island Cup
Athlone welcome former manager Tommy Hewitt back to the midlands tomorrow.
Joe McDonagh Cup: Laois v Offaly - Commentator's Preview
Jack Nolan and Joe Troy looks forward to the championship opener.
Westmeath And Offaly Minor Hurlers Looking To Continue Winning Ways
It's two wins from two for both counties in tier two of the Leinster Championship so far.
Offaly And Westmeath Gearing Up For Midlands Clash
The town sides will face off the Leinster Ladies Intermediate Championship this weekend.
Offaly GAA Community Mourning The Loss Of Former County Chair
Ollie Daly died on Thursday after struggling with illness.
Town Looking To Bring Clean Sheet Run On The Road
The Westmeath club are heading to Tralee this week.
Dalton Starts For Ireland V England
The Leinster centre is one of two changes to Scott Beamand's side.
Joe McDonagh Cup: Laois v Offaly - Manager's Preview
Willie Maher and Johnny Kelly join Midlands 103 to look forward to this weekend's Championship opener.
