Five of the 12-strong Irish contingent at Stage Two of European Tour Qualifying have made it through to next week’s final stages at the PGA Catalunya near Girona.
Royal Dublin’s Niall Kearney closed with a six-under-par 66 at Costa Ballena, leaving the Walker Cup player in a tie for third place behind Fredrik Ohlsson of Sweden.
St Margaret's John Kelly finished joint 11th after a 69 on day four gave him playing rights next weekend.
At Sherry Golf, Simon Thornton finished with a 72 for a tie of sixth spot. He will be joined by Colm Moriarty who signed for a 72 which was enough for a joint 14th place after an aggregate of 285.
Jonathan Caldwell’s seven under total secured 12th place at Hacienda del Alamo and he will stay on in Spain for the finals stages.
At Arcos Gardens the best-placed Irish player was Michael Collins of FORE Ireland in 26th, which was beyond the reach of the 19 automatic places available.
Cian McNamara and Gareth Shaw finished further down the field to see their challenge for their 2010 Tour card also come to an end.
The Q School battle also ended for former European Tour player David Higgins, along with Mervyn Owens, Michael McGeady and Eddie Barr.
The five qualifiers will join Gary Murphy in the grueling six-round final stage after he lost his playing rights this season.
