Gallacher makes early move

Stephen Gallacher and Steve Webster, with over 400 European tour events between them and not one win, spurred each other on at the Nissan Irish Open today.

Gallacher, the 29-year-old nephew of former Ryder Cup captain Bernard, had an eagle and three birdies as he joined overnight pacesetters Nick O’Hern and Peter Lonard.

Playing partner Webster, meanwhile, tucked in just one shot behind after also finding form on the County Louth course.

Australians O’Hern and Lonard were among the later starters in the second round, both looking to build on opening eight-under-par rounds of 64.

Part of the Walker Cup side which beat an American line-up including Tiger Woods at Porthcawl in 1995, Gallacher turned professional the same year and had to return twice to the qualifying school before establishing himself.

In 180 starts so far his best finish is two second places, but he has found a lot more consistency this season and is a highest-ever 28th on the Order of Merit with nearly £280,000.

Webster, also 29, was leading amateur in the 1995 Open and won the qualifying school that season.

A glittering career beckoned for him too, but he has had to endure five runners-up finishes, including a play-off defeat to Retief Goosen in the 2001 Madrid Open.

Alongside him on seven under were two more Australians, Brett Rumford and Peter O’Malley, and also France’s Raphael Jacquelin, another seeking his first success on the circuit – and one which would put him back into the running for a Ryder Cup debut in September.

A return to home soil failed to inspire Paul McGinley, however, and took him further away from the second Ryder Cup cap he craves.

McGinley, Europe’s match-winning hero at The Belfry two years ago, resumed on one over par and with four to play had improved only one shot on that.

Padraig Harrington, meanwhile, stood four under at the same point, while pre-tournament favourite Darren Clarke, two under yesterday, was another late starter.

Gallacher's 70 made him the clubhouse leader on eight under, with Webster one behind after the same score today.

Jacquelin and Rumford were also in on seven under, with O’Malley on the same mark with two to go and Harrington’s birdie at the short seventh – his 16th - taking him only only three off the pace.

Lonard and O’Hern had still to tee off again, though, but England’s Simon Wakefield, joint third after an opening 66, crashed to an 80 and was in severe danger of missing the cut at two over.