Lowry delivers in the K Club sun to lead Irish hopefuls

MOUNTING A CHALLENGE: Shane Lowry on the 7th tee. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.

Shane Lowry will carry Ireland’s best hopes of a first home Irish Open winner since 2016 into this weekend after a second successive four-under 68 at a baking K Club.

Lowry lies five shots back of leaders Shubhankar Sharma and Jordan Smith, which is no mean feat given how far he found himself behind morning starter Sharma before commencing his third round.