Defending champion Rory McIlroy posted a 75 for two-over-par as County Louth's Simon Ward led the qualifiers for the Match-Play stages of the West of Ireland Amateur Open at Co Sligo Golf Club in Rosses Point.
Ward, the reigning South of Ireland champion, birdied the last for a 70 to move to five-under and is one stroke clear of 18-year-old Andrew Johnston of England, who carded a fine 70.
Overnight leader Stephen Grant followed his course record 64 with a 75 to qualify in fourth place on three-under-par.
