THE National Hurling League got underway at four venues yesterday. Although Division Three attracts little of the limelight, and even less spectators, the commitment of these intercounty hurlers, who toil in testing conditions, should not be underestimated.

At Athleague, Carlow administered a sickening defeat to Roscommon, largely due to a late flurry of points. Indeed, substitute Des Murphy took most of the plaudits, rattling over three of Carlow's six points in the last 10 minutes.

Before this, Roscommon had held out as well as they could, given the severity of the wind supporting Carlow in the second half. But the signs were ominous at the break, as Roscommon had failed to build sufficiently on a Pat Regan goal. The coolness of Carlow's defence and the economy of their forwards gave them half-time parity at 1-9 apiece.

Unfortunately, the other three games in the division were decidedly one-sided. Wicklow full-forward Don Hyland topped the scoring honours, striking for 2-4 against an overrun Louth defence at Aughrim. Wicklow's 22-point stroll was no more impressive than Louth's total disorganisation under fire. Hyland's two-goal blast arrived in the second halt, along with another from Stephen Coady.

At Celtic Park, Derry handed Armagh a 16-point defeat and a harsh introduction to the new year. Derry full-forward Geoffrey McGonigle was Armagh's main tormentor. Playing into the face of a strong first half wind, McGonigle made nonsense of this difficulty, landing three tremendous points and setting up Shane McCartney for the only goal of the game.

Further points from Oliver Collins and McGonigle gave Derry an eight-point lead. The Orchard County had halved this advantage at the half-way stage, with Eamonn McKee chipping in with three frees. After this, with the second half elements favouring Derry, there was no way back for Armagh.

Kildare sent Donegal back from Newbridge to the North West in despondent mood. Before Donegal could react, Kildare had notched 1-6 without reply, with Ronan Byrne grabbing the goal. The only surprise was that they didn't break through for another before the end.

Early second half points from Tom Robinson and Darren McDermott proved to be a false dawn for the newly-promoted Donegal men. Kildare scored just five second half points, but they won as they liked.