Mehaffey leading Irish challenge as Maguire rallies down back nine

Leona Maguire is tied for 33rd after a day where she three-putted the 17th to turn in one-over par.

RALLIES: Leona Maguire plays the 11th pictured during round 1 of the KPMG Womens Irish Open in Dromoland Castle. Pic. Brian Arthur

Olivia Mehaffey is battling to turn the corner mentally and she proved it yesterday when she opened with a three-under 69 to lead the home challenge in the KPMPG Women's Irish Open at Dromoland Castle.

The 24-year-old from Banbridge has been open about her mental struggles following the death of her father Philip in December 2021, taking a five-month sabbatical at the end of last year before missing six of her first seven cuts on her return to action in February.