Ronan Sheehan's Down made a positive start to life in Division 2 with a 2-19 to 0-22 win over Kildare at Ballycran.
The Ulster side rarely lose at McKenna Park and two goals in the first half sent them on their way.
Daithi Sands got the first of those with youngster Shea Pucci adding a second just before the interval.
Tom McGrattan put Down five ahead at the start of the second half and it was out to seven by the time Chris Egan pointed in the 45th minute, but Kildare fought back with David Qualter racking up the frees and the sides were level with five minutes remaining – 2-14 to 0-20.
The momentum was with the away side and Qualter briefly put them ahead but McGrattan (2), Daniel Toner, Tim Prenter, and Finn Turpin secured the win for Down.
Derry were relieved to leave Omagh with a two-point win as they edged Tyrone 1-13 to 0-14
Gerald Bradley grabbed the key score with the Slaughtneil man firing to the net in the first half with Christy McNaughton sealing the win with a couple of fine scores.
Johnny Greville’s term as Meath manager started with a one-point win over Donegal, the Royals earning a 2-12 to 0-14 win on home soil.
Donegal, who had an early penalty goal from Luke White, looked good for the win as they led by a few points with just minutes remaining but a trio of Jack Regan scores turned the game with Regan and Cian Rogers their goal-scorers on the day.
In Division 4, goals from Declan Hayes, Dylan Hutchison, Ronan Courtney and Evan Tully helped Longford to a 4-14 to 3-11 win over Warwickshire with Jack Grealish, Luke Hands and Liam Fahy grabbing the goals for the away side.
Louth finished strongly to defeat Fermanagh 2-18 to 1-12.
Louth struggled to deal with JP McGarry in the first half with Danann McKeogh scoring a penalty after his team-mate was fouled to give Fermanagh a 1-07 to 0-07 interval lead.
Trevor Hilliard’s side dominated the second half though with David Stephenson and Peter Fortune grabbing the goals with McGarry going off injured early in the second period.
Leitrim beat Lancashire 0-21 to 2-10 at Abbotstown with the English side hitting two goals in the second half before Leitrim held them off.
