Mayo got their National Hurling League Division 3 campaign off to a convincing start trouncing the home side by 24 points in Carrick on Shannon.

Two first half goals from Andrew Howard along with a goal apiece from the Broderick brothers, Paul and Stephen gave Mayo a 4-10 to 0-2 lead at the interval. Dual star Keith Higgins marked his return to the starting team, and accounted for six opening half points before being rested for the second half.

With the game over as a contest at the interval, the Mayo management used the second half to give their bench a run. The second half was a scrappy affair with four yellow cards being shared between the teams, and one red being handed out to Leitrim midfielder David Poniard. Off for Mayo went Pierse Higgins, who had just been introduced as a sub, while also off went Paul Broderick.

As the game drew to a close, Leitrim got a consolation goal from full forward Alan O'Se, while Mayo got their fifth and final goal from corner forward Adrian Freeman.

Things will be different next weekend though as Mayo face Armagh in Ballina on Sunday at 2.30.

Mayo:Tom Duffy (Ballina), Derek Walsh (Ballyhaunis), John Duffy (Ballina), Shane Morley (Tooreen), Con Ryan (Westport), Paddy Barrett (Belmullet), Ger Whyte (Castlebar), Stephen Coyne (Tooreen), James Hogan (0-2)(Westport), Derek McConn (0-2)(Ballyhaunis), Stephen Broderick (1-0) (Westport), Keith Higgins (0 6) (Ballyhaunis), Adrian Freeman (1-2)(Tooreen), Paul Broderick (1-1) (Westport), Andrew Howard (2-1)(Belmullet). Subs:Sean Kelly (Castlebar), Paul McConn (0-2) (Ballyhaunis),Pierse Higgins (Ballyhaunis), Stephan Leneghan (Tooreen), Adrian Hession (0-1)(Tooreen), Kieran Horan (Castlebar).