Irish Close:Teenage sensation and defending champion Rory McIlroy shares the lead with former Irish international veteran Adrian Morrow after the first round of the Golfsure sponsored Irish Amateur Close Championship at The European Club.

The leading pair were the only players in the field to break par over the treacherous 7,355yard links layout with rounds of one under 70. Although conditions were ideal and calm it didn't stop the majority of the field - the country's best amateurs - struggling to get anywhere near shooting par at the Brittas Bay venue.

McIlroy, 16, from Holywood and Morrow from Portmarnock both carded three birdies and two bogeys in their rounds to lead by two shots from the chasing trio tied third on one over, which includes the in-form and recent East of ireland runner-up Jonathan Caldwell from Clandeboye.

The top 64 players after today's second round of strokeplay will advance to the matchplay stages.