Moriarty edges clear

Colm Moriarty leads the way on six-under-par after two rounds of the 106th Irish PGA Championship at Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort.

With gusting winds making play difficult, particularly for the afternoon starters, Moriarty's four under par 68 gave him a one shot lead over Damien McGrane, Eamonn Brady (Clontarf) and Simon Thornton.

“I scrambled around yesterday but I played quite nicely today [Friday],” said the 37-year-old who had six birdies and two bogeys on the Twin Oaks Championship Course.

“I chipped in for a birdie at the 10th – my opening hole - and that got me going.

“The wind picked up on the back nine and I dropped a shot at my 10th.

“I hit a four-iron into two feet on the third for a birdie. That started a run of three birdies in a row.

“I dropped a shot at the eighth when I hit it in the hazard, but all in all, I'm right where I want to be.”

The lowest score of the day came from Damien McGrane who prospered in the calmer early morning conditions, carding a six under par 66.

“I played alright yesterday [Thursday] but I couldn't really get going with the birdies,” said McGrane who carded an opening round 73.

“One over was not a disaster. I'm pleased to bounce back today and finish the day on five under.

“The wind was getting very strong as we were finishing. I hit a seven iron from 122 yards into the 18th green.” 

The early starters definitely enjoyed the best of the conditions with the wind gusting to 40kph as the day wore on. In the circumstances, Michael McGeady's one under par 71, which followed his opening round 77 was a superb effort.

“I spent most of the round trying to make sure I left myself with putts into the wind,” said McGeady who is tied for 21st on four over par.

“It was very tough out there and you certainly didn't want to be putting downhill and downwind. 

“I'm actually a bit disappointed with my round because I finished with two fives. A better finish could have got me back into the mix.”

The third round is scheduled to get underway at 9am. A two-tee start will be in operation. 52 players made it through to the weekend with the cut falling at 11 over par.