McIlroy makes strong start to second round

Rory McIlroy made just the start he was hoping for today after resuming the Irish Open at Royal Portrush down in joint 53rd place.

Birdies at two of his first three holes lifted the world number two, who has missed four of his last five halfway cuts, up into a tie for 21st on four under par, only three behind joint leaders Gregory Bourdy and Jeev Milkha Singh.