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Paul McGinley is one of five Irish golfers battling near the top of the leaderboard. INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Golf

Up and down for McIlroy as Clarke and Harrington stay in touch

Update: Rory loses ground after a great start, while Ross Fisher stays four in front.

IRISH GOLFERS are staying in touch at the 3 Irish Open in Killarney – though they’re all some way behind the leader, England’s Ross Fisher.

Fisher shot an astonishing ten-under 61 yesterday to rocket to the top of the leaderboard, and is -3 after five of his third round, at the top on -15. He’s followed by compatriot Chris Wood, who is a full five strokes behind.

Darren Clarke heads up the Irish challenge a further shot back, with a -3 after 10, while Padraig Harrington is another shot back, at one under for the day (after 6 holes).

Rory McIlroy is on -7, on par for the day – though the Northerner had birdied his opening two holes to join Molinari in second, before dropping two shots at the 6th and another at the 8th with a birdie in between to drop back to a tie for eighth.

Also on the same score are Irish duo Padraig Harrington (par for the day after 4), Paul McGinley (-1 after 9), and Michael Hoey (par after 7).

Last year’s winner Shane Lowry is in a tie for 21st on -4, being one under for the day after 13.

Graeme McDowell has had the best day of the Irish so far, making three birdies and not dropping a shot to shoot a three-under 68 and put himself on -3 for the tournament in a tie for 25th, alongside Damien McGrane who shot a two-over 73