Irish Muirfield hopefuls fall at final qualifying hurdle

IT'S as you were as far as the Irish representation in the British Open beginning at Muirfield on Thursday is concerned.

None of the 12 Irish players involved in the final pre-qualifying at four links venues on the Firth of Forth managed to make the cut yesterday, leaving Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley and Des Smyth to carry the flag in the tournament proper.

The biggest disappointment was the failure of Athlone amateur Colm Moriarty to capitalise on Sunday's spectacular 63 at North Berwick, which equalled the course record. He could have afforded to exceed the par of 70 by two shots but he tottered to a 75 and missed the last of the six spots by two strokes. "Obviously I'm very disappointed because Sunday's round gave me a great chance," said the 23-year-old Ireland International.