Irish round-up Shane Lowry missed his target score for the day but was not unduly concerned with a one-over-par 72 Royal County Down as he began his bid to win a second Irish Open title.

THEY will not be reduced to a supporting role by any means in today’s third round, but Rory McIlory and Graeme McDowell will start their day trailing the four leading Irishmen in this Irish Open, presented by Discover Ireland, field.

Three-time Irish Open champion Colin Montgomerie has confirmed his participation in The 3 Irish Open at County Louth Golf Club on May 14-17.