McIllroy two off the lead at Irish open

Rory McIllroy leads the Irish challenge after day one of the Amegn Irish Open.

McIllroy shot a three-under-par 68 on his home course to finish the day joint fourth and two shots off leader Todd Clements.

McIllroy is tied with Will Enefer, Marcus Armtiage, Thriston Lawrence and Filippo Celli on three-under. While Sami Valimaki and Alejandro Del Rey sit on four-under-par.

Clements leads after a five-under-par 66.

Whereas, Roganstown amateur Sean Keeling is the next best Irish man after day one. Keeling shot a level par round after 14 holes.

Meanwhile, Shane Lowry shot a one-over-par round of 72.  A mark Lowry shares with Conor Purcell and amateur Max Kennedy who shot a 72.

Padraig Harrington and Simon Thornton both shot rounds of two-over par.