Murray hoping to fulfil Eastern promise

LIMERICK’S Pat Murray is hoping to find a “spark” at Baltray today that might light up his challenge for the East of Ireland title.

The 39-year-old Tipperary native added a three-under-par 69 to his opening 75 to go into the final 36 holes tied for ninth place, just four strokes adrift of pacesetter and Walker Cup hopeful Alan Dunbar on level par 144.

Joint runner-up behind Paul Cutler in last month’s Irish Amateur Close at Shannon, Murray is frustrated that his excellent play from tee to green hasn’t been rewarded so far.