Defending Champions Sixmilebridge have suffered an opening round loss, with a goal from Patrick O'Grady sealing Crusheen's win in the closing stages of their clash at Cusack Park.
This group 3 game saw the sides go point for point in the opening quarter before John Carmodys Crusheen charges rallied to a 0-14 to 0-09 lead at the break.
The 2013 champions showed fighting character to hit four unanswered points on the resumption, then two points in quick succession from Shane Golden saw the bridge edge ahead by 0-17 to 0-15 with 46 minutes played.
John O'Mearas charges stretched that lead to three points with five minutes left on the clock, but Crusheen's O'Grady raised the crucial green flag in the 58th minute, and put them two clear.
Sixmilebridge closed scoring with a point to end it a Crusheen win at 1-18 to 0-18.
Cratloes 6-15 to 1-16 win over Kilmaley means they top group three after round 1 on superior scoring difference.