Defending champion Paul McGinley has taken a firm grip on the Irish PGA Championship title at Adare Manor, as he attempts to become the first player in 17 years to retain the honours.
After a third round 69, McGinley at eight-under-par is five strokes ahead of Gary Murphy who managed only one birdie in a 73.
McGinley was fast off the mark with four birdies in his opening six holes and, at one stage, had seven strokes to spare over playing partner Murphy at the top of the leaderboard.
Michael Hoey was round in 73 to take third place at two-under 214 while a level par 72 took Headfort professional Brendan McGovern into fourth place. David Higgins, who shared third spot with Hoey going into the third round, slid back to fifth after carding 76.
Filed by James Boylan
