McDowell keeps in touch with leaders at Fota

After 15 holes Graeme McDowell is at three-under at the Irish Open in Fota Island, putting him just four shots off leader Mikko Ilonen.

McDowell is having a strong back nine, with birdies at the 15th and 16th holes.

Meanwhile his playing partner Shane Lowry has dropped back to level-par.

If McDowell can maintain or better that score he will be best of the Irish with Padraig Harrington one further back at two-under.

The leaderboard hasn’t changed much since lunchtime with none of the afternoon’s golfers even close to threatening Ilonen’s round of seven-under.

The European Tour have confirmed today’s attendance was over 16,000 and are hoping the weather along with competitive Irish golfers will combine to keep spectators coming over the weekend.

#2014IrishOpen attendance today is 16,178 - tickets available at the gate tomorrow. U16s are free with an adult!

— Amgen Irish Open (@IrishOpen_) June 19, 2014