Harrington still best of the Irish as McIlroy struggles with Fota

Mikko Ilonan of Finland is now the outright leader of the Irish Open leading the field at six-under-par.

Edoardo Molinari has also put himself in a strong position with the Italian sitting on five-under.

He is followed a shot back by South African Jake Roos, who led briefly, and at four-under. Roos completed the front nine in 33 with birdies at holes 10 and 11.

Best of the Irish so far is Padraig Harrington finished at two-under-par after a very steady day, with three birdies and one bogey.

Rory McIlroy is having a day to forget. The major winner is in the same group as Harriginton and finished on three-over-par having recorded six bogeys.

Of the other Irish playing, Damien McGrane, Simon Thornton, Cian McNamara and John Kelly are all on level-par.

Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell both tee off at 12.50, alongside Paul Casey.

South African Justin Walters also finished at three-under-par, after leading the field for much of the morning.