Slow-burner Niall Kearney ready to catch fire at Irish Open

Kearney’s been battling to make the grade for the past 12 years, but after 21 visits to the Qualifying School — 11 in Europe and 10 in Asia — he’s got a great chance now to secure his full European Tour card

Niall Kearney: ‘Vitally important I take advantage of every chance.’

Niall Kearney might look like a 6’3” gentle giant, especially as he ambles around the course with the casual intent of a man wandering around his own back garden.

He gives the impression he’s got the heart rate capable of handling the stress of landing a jumbo jet — an unflappable quality that comes naturally.