Ronan Mullarney sets the pace at Mullingar Scratch Trophy

Galway’s Ronan Mullarney has a three-shot lead heading into today’s final two rounds at the Mullingar Electrical Scratch Trophy.

The Connacht interprovincial defied blustery conditions at the James Braid designed gem, carding five birdies in a morning 69, then adding another five in a four-under-par 68 to set the pace on seven under par. Portmarnock’s Jack Pierse, who started with a 68 and add a 72 in the afternoon, is Mullarney’s nearest rival on four under par with South of Ireland runner-up Rowan Lester from Hermitage a further shot back after rounds of 71 and 70.

Looking for a big final day so that he can to head to the Home Internationals in Scotland and then to college at Texas Wesleyan University in Forth Worth with a win under his belt, Lester said: “It would be nice to get a win. And it would also be nice to hole a few putts because it was really tough with the pins on little knuckles and shelves.”

A Mullingar player has yet to win the famous old trophy but the drought could end in the event’s 54th year with Liam Grehan and Gareth Carr, a son of former Dublin footballer Tommy, just five shots off the lead in joint fourth on two under par.

Just eight players broke par over the first two rounds with Newlands’ Jake Whelan, Galgorm Castle’s Jordan Hood and Charlesland’s Keith Murphy all at one under.

The cut fell at 11 over with South of Ireland champion Conor Purcell missing out on the top 51 on countback after disappointing rounds of 73 and 82.