McDowell chasing the lead after McIlroy exit

Graeme McDowell hopes it will be 13th time lucky in the Irish Open this weekend as Rory McIlroy made an early exit from the event for the second year in succession.

McDowell carded a second round of 66 to lie just two shots off the halfway lead held by Finland’s Mikko Ilonen – who added a 68 to his opening course-record 64 - but Ryder Cup team-mate McIlroy could only manage an erratic 69 to miss the cut by a shot on one over.