Ireland's Celtic Tiger economy may be in decline at the moment but there were no signs of decline amongst their four representatives in the Celtic League - with a 100% record in the competition's opening round.

Most notable of the four Irish wins was Connacht's victory at Cardiff Arms Park. Traditionally the weakest of the four provinces they showed signs of a revival under coach Steph Nel last season and have been further boosted by the arrival of several young talents, considered surplus to requirements by the other provinces.

True, Cardiff were fielding a very inexperienced side, but none the less the win against many people's favourites for the competition will be a tremendous boost to the side from the west of Ireland.

In atrocious conditions two Eric Elwood penalties were enough to see the visitors home 6-3 in a game marred by assorted fracas's between the front rows and three yellow cards. Cardiff had taken an early lead through a Nick Robinson penalty - but the superiority of the visitors pack, even after the introduction of Craig Quinnell and Peter Rogers for Cardiff, was enough to give them control for much of the second period.

The other three Irish sides had all won on Friday night - with Ulster setting down a marker in Group A with their 30-13 win over Welsh/Scottish League champions Swansea at Ravenhill.

David Humphreys not only contributed 15 points from the boot but also pinned back a Swansea side short of several front line players including all three their recent Lions. Leinster also looked impressive in their 39-11 win at home against Edinburgh. They had led 12-11 at the break before totally dominating the second period - recording 27 unanswered points.

Brian O'Meara collected 24 points as the Dublin side dominated the newly named Glasgow Warriors who were unable to compete with a Leinster side full of confidence despite the absence of Lion Brian O'Driscoll.

European heroes Munster completed the Irish grand slam when they dispatched Edinburgh to complete a miserable weekend for the Scots. However the Irish side needed a late Jeremy Staunton penalty to take them to a 25-22 win at Myreside.

Munster had led 19-9 at the break but the Scots side edged their way back thanks to a try from Lion Simon Taylor. Gordon Ross tied things up at 22-22 with the conversion - but it was the visitors who had the last say when Staunton landed his penalty in the dying seconds.

Elsewhere Llanelli completed a 46-16 win over Ebbw Vale - who could now face a difficult time in the next few weeks. The Scarlets never really got into top gear but thanks to four penalties early in the second half from ex Bristol player Gareth Bowen they were able to take some control after a patchy first half and build a platform which allowed them to collect six tries.

The final Group A game saw Pontypridd collect a rare away win at the Brewery Field. As always the Ponty pack produced a battling performance which resulted in a 27-19 win over much fancied big spending Bridgend.

Dale MacIntosh was his usual inspirational self up front for The Sardis Road side while Ceri Sweeny combined well with veteran Paul John at half back. Despite four early penalties from Cerith Rees the visitors were able to take the points thanks to tries from Richard Johnson and Gareth Wyatt and 14 points from Brett Davey.

The weekend's final game went with the script as Neath were comfortable 43-13 winners at Caerphilly in Group B.