Ballinakill rallied late on but couldn't salvage a draw.
Rathdowney Errill began their Laois Senior Hurling Championship with a win.
Enda Meagher's side came away from O'Moore Park with a 1-24 to 2-18 win over Ballinakill on Saturday.
Jack Kelly and Tadhg Dowling impressed with 0-5 points each, while James Ryan contributed 1-2.
Brian Duggan and Eddie Dwyer got the goals for Ballinakill but it wasn't enough to close the gap.
Sports Reporter with the Leinster Express Gavin Cooper says Ballinakill's late rally wasn't enough:
Elsewhere, reigning champions Clough Ballocalla took down Rosenallis on a final scoreline of 0-17 to 1-11.
Borris In Ossory were 1-29 to 2-14 winners over Abbeyleix St Lazarians, and Portlaoise sealed their opening win as they saw off Ballyfin 2-15 to 1-15.
Laois SFC: Killeshin Deliver Knockout Blow To Portlaoise
Westmeath SFC: Moate All Whites Turn Attention To County "Standard Bearers"
Town Continue Rich Vein Of Form With Creditable Students Draw
Offaly SFC: Shamrocks And Tullamore Secure Semi-Final Spots
John Heslin Aiming To Feature For Westmeath Next Season
Westmeath SFC: St Loman's Mullingar And Moate All Whites Progress
Athlone Town Move Closer To Women's Premier Division Title
Alex Dunne Keeps F2 Title Hopes Alive With Spanish GP Podium
I've Great People Around Me - Shane Lowry
Trump To Lift US Tariff On Irish Whiskey After Talks With Shane Lowry
Lowry Breaks Title Drought With Magnificent Irish Open Victory
Shane Lowry Leading The Way At The Irish Open
Alex Dunne Secures Front Row Start For F2 Feature Race In Madrid
Former Golf Coach Stunned With Stuart Grehan Not Competing At Irish Open
Treaty United The Next Test For Athlone Town
Mark McHugh To Remain In Charge Of Westmeath Footballers
Cannonball 2026 Heading For Offaly Today
Westmeath SFC: St Loman's Mullingar Aiming To Push Forward
Laois SFC: Places In The Semi-Finals Up For Grabs