Kearney takes eight shot lead into final round

Niall Kearney has an eight-shot lead heading into the final round of the LowFuelCard.ie Irish PGA Championship at Dundalk GC.

The Royal Dublin golfer is in prime position to defend the title he won last year at Adare Manor but the 27-year-old is taking nothing for granted.

“Anything can happen. I'm just going out to play against the golf course, I'm not really playing against the other guys. If someone goes out and shoots 60 or 61, then fair play to them,” said Kearney who signed for a third round 67 that featured six birdies and one bogey.

“I will go out there tomorrow, set my own targets and see what I can achieve myself.”

Play began early on Saturday morning with 52 players returning to the course to complete their second rounds following a three hour fog delay on Friday. The cut eventually fell at six over par with 52 players making it through to the final 36 holes.

In flat calm conditions the third round produced some low scoring with Brendan McGovern (Headfort GC) producing a best of the day 66 that moved him up into a tie for ninth.

Richard Kilpatrick (Banbridge GC) grabbed second place on 10 under par with Colm Moriarty (Drive Golf Performance) a shot further back on nine under par.

Kilpatrick has improved with every round but is realistic about his chances of overhauling the leader.

“Look, he is going to be very hard to catch the way he is playing. You can't see him not breaking 70,” said Kilpatrick who also carded a 67 that included six birdies and one dropped shot.

“The plan is to put as much pressure on as you can and see what happens. We are all that far behind that you can't really do much more than attack.”