Scotland went down to a (1-16) 19-14 (2-8) to Ireland at a wet and blustery Geraldine Park, Athy in the Shinty / Hurling international first test on Saturday 22 October 2011.
Gary Innes fired over to put the Scots in front but Joe Bergin, Eoin Kelly (twice), Eoin Nolan and Eoin Price put the hosts 5-1 in front with just 10 minutes played.
Kevin Bartlett pulled a two-pointer back for the Scots but strikes two strikes in a minute from Eoin Kelly and Eoin Nolan made it 7-3 before Kelly's added his fourth point of the first half to put Ireland 8-3 up at the break.
Scotland were left to rue some missed two-point opportunities as they trailled by 5 points at the interval.
Ireland started the second half strongly and Willie Hyland made it 9-3 within a minute of the restart.
Worse was to follow for the visitors as Joe Bergin knocked a free-hit into the path of Eoin Nolan and he shot low into the net for the first goal of the game.
Eoin Price shot over from the left to make it 13-3 and the Scots were struggling to stay in the game as they fell 10 points behind.
Kevin Bartlett scored his second two-pointer of the game and Keith MacRae added another to make it 13-6.
However Ireland fought back and points from Eoin Price and Willie Hyndland put Ireland 15-6 to the good.
Scotland scored their first goal of the afternoon when Irish keeper Patrick Mullaney made a diving save from John Stewart but Keith MacRae kifted the rebound into the net for a debut goal.
Joe Bergin and Gary Innes exchanged points with Ireland's lead reduced to 16-10.
The impressive Eoin Kelly and Robbie MacLeod picked up points before Joe Bergin made it 18-11.
The visitors scored their second goal of the afternoon when John Stewart flicked a Robbie MacLeod ball on for Gary Innes to shoot low into the net to reduce the deficit to 18-14.
Eoin Kelly scored the final point of the afternoon to give Ireland a 19-14 victory.
Finlay MacRae went close for Scotland before the end but it's Ireland who have the advantage ahead of the second test.
The longer grass suited the hurlers and Scotland will be looking forward to facing their Celtic Cousins in front of a packed Bught Park.
(Full match report to follow)