McGeady books Roganstown spot

Making certain of his spot in the 103rd PGA Irish Championship, at Roganstown next month, was Michael McGeady (above) who, from an early stage, topped the leaderboard in the second qualifier, also at the Swords venue.

However, it was many, many hours later before the 42nd qualifier for the October 10-13 title chase was known. Ten players finished level in 42nd place and had to face the trauma of a shoot-out to find out who the lucky last qualifier would be. Noel Callan (Faughan Valley) was the man to grab last spot after the long drawn out play-off. Among the other qualifiers was John Dwyer (Slade Valley).

As well, 12 alternates had to be decided in the event of those who had qualified dropping out before the championship tee-off. The first alternative, yesterday, was Peter Hannon (Co Meath).

Unattached McGeady topped the leaderboard on three-under-par 68, just one stroke ahead of Brendan Walton, but the former tour player must have had some moments of anxiety about taking top spot when he double-bogeyed the short 17th hole. That was his only mistake of the day as he sprinkled five birdies over his card.

He covered the front nine in two-under 33 with birdies at the par four seventh and short ninth holes and other birdies, at the long 10th and par four 14th, left the Derry man in good shape. The unfortunate five at the short 17th was a knock back but McGeady recovered well to clip a stroke of par five 18 for a back nine of one-under 35.

Among the qualifiers is former Irish Amateur International Hazel Kavanagh, who was among a foursome of players on two-over-par 73.