Irish in swing for big prize

ALTHOUGH the first round lead is shared by the Scot Alastair Forsyth; Philip Price and South Africa’s Retief Goosen on six under par 66, the Irish challenge for the Smurfit European Champion at The K-Club is very much alive.

True, favourite Padraig Harrington got off to a poor start and a one over par 73 leaves him with acres of ground to make up.

But Darren Clarke, winner here in 2001, and Gary Murphy, both 67, are in the thick of the battle, while an opening 69 affords the young Ulsterman Graeme McDowell the chance of making a meaningful challenge through the next three days. Paul McGinley on 72 is still in the hunt.