Sugrue in fine Fota fettle ahead of Killarney

KILLARNEY’s Danny Sugrue has given himself the opportunity of a massive confidence boost heading into the Irish Open on his home course with a strong finish today in the EuroPro Tour’s Audi Cork Irish Masters at Fota Island.

Sugrue is only one shot off the lead held by England’s Paul Reed going to the last round of the £10,000 top-prize event after a four under 68 in yesterday’s second round. The Kerry man leads the domestic challenge though Rosapenna’s Ruairi McGee’s 68 and Paul O’Hanlon’s (Curragh) 70 have them also in contention, three back from the leader.

Reed (Bristol and Clifton) went round in 67 at the splendidly prepared Fota Island Resort in Cork, his performance included two eagles – at the par-five fourth and also at the par-five 18th – and he is one ahead of Shaun McAllister (Craigielaw, East Lothian) and Sugrue.