McIlroy Adares to dream of Irish victory

PADRAIG HARRINGTON ended a 25-year wait for a home winner of the Irish Open last year – and Rory McIlroy is hopeful the overseas contingent can be repelled again at Adare Manor this weekend.

France's Michael Lorenzo-Vera, a European Tour rookie, was the surprise overnight leader and the three closest to him going into today's third round were German Marcel Siem, Australian Richard Green and Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal.

But four of Ireland's finest are in the running too for a first prize of more than £330,000. Darren Clarke, who returned to winning ways in China last month, resumed only three behind on three under par, Paul McGinley and 19-year-old is McIlroy stood two under with Harrington only one further back.

"With all the Irish guys doing well the last few weeks (Graeme McDowell, Damien McGrane and Peter Lawrie also lifted Tour titles) it just adds to the atmosphere and excitement of the tournament," McIlroy said. "It's fantastic and I'm really enjoying it. I couldn't have hoped to play much better, I suppose, and hopefully I can make it an even better week these last couple of days."

McIlroy, leading amateur at last year's Open and then third and fourth within a month of turning professional in September, has not had a top-10 finish this season.