Harrington in contention while McIlroy battles to make cut

“I’m pleased to be in contention but I would have preferred to be seven or eight under par and in a good position to move away from the field.”

Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington was frustrated not to have put himself in a commanding position to win a second Irish Open title at a windswept Royal County Down on Friday.

Former champion Harrington predicted on Wednesday that an Irish player would lift the trophy on Sunday, with Rory McIlroy seemingly the most likely contender.