McIlroy paired with Montgomerie and Finch

Rory McIlroy has been paired with Colin Montgomerie for the first two rounds of the 3 Irish Open.

The 20-year-old from Co Down is one of the star attractions taking part at Baltray this week, having established himself in the world's top 20 this season.

The third member of their group - teeing off Thursday morning at 8am - is the defending champion, Englishman Richard Finch.

The 2007 winner Padraig Harrington tees off alongside his Ryder Cup colleagues Lee Westwood and Miguel Angel Jimenez.

Paul McGinley will be with England's Oliver Wilson and American John Daly, who was runner-up at the Italian Open last weekend.