Early bird Higgins wins at New Ross

Waterville's David Higgins made the best of early morning conditions to win the New Ross Pro-Am sponsored by Culcita Garden Furniture.

Higgins, out first at 7.50am, carded a five-under-par 65 to complete a two shot victory over Damien Mooney (Ballyliffin) and Eamonn Brady (Clontarf GC).

The 42-year-old birdied three of his opening four holes on his way to a four-under-par front nine of 30. He continued the good form on the back, with birdies at the 13th and 16th before dropping his only shot of the day at the 18th.

Padraig Dooley (Drive Golf Performance) guided his amateur partners to success in the team event with 92 points ahead of a trio of golfers including Ladies European Tour regular, Rebecca Codd.