Miserable day for Irish at British Championship

Irish champion Rory McIlroy crashed to a disappointing seven-over-par 78 in the first qualifying round of the British Amateur Championship at Royal St George's in Kent.

The Holywood star had three birdies, six bogeys and two double bogeys in a horror round to trail leader Neil Connolly by ten shots.

Limerick's Cian McNamara and Lurgan's Gareth Shaw were the best of the Irish after rounds of 74 at Royal St George's with Warrenpoint's Jim Carvill carding a three over par 75 at Prince's.

Pat Murray (77), Peter O'Keeffe (82) and Seamus Power (84) completed a disappointing day for the Irish.

West Waterford man Power had a ten at the par five 14th at Royal St George's while O'Keeffe from Douglas had two double bogeys and a triple at the 16th at Prince's.

All seven have work to do to make the top 64 and ties after today's second strokeplay round if they are to qualify for the matchplay stages.