Brian Keogh

PGA Irish Championship

Damien McGrane is just one solid round away from a dream victory in the PGA Irish Championship at Palmerstown House.

The Kells professional carded a three under par 69 at the Co Kildare venue to lead by one stroke from boyhood rival Padraig Harrington on five under par.

But while McGrane is at the top of his form, he knows that he cannot afford to get involved in a matchplay style confrontation for the title with the world number 12.

“It is always nice to play with Padraig. I have always said I am his number one fan,” said McGrane. “But it is all to play for and my intention is to play sold from start to finish. I’d like to win the Irish Championship and be king of the castle as far as clubs pros are concerned.

“But there is still a lot of golf to be played out there. Padraig is of major stature but I think the course is also a major challenge and I will have to focus on that rather than worry about what Padraig is doing because he certainly won’t be worrying about me.”

Harrington struggled on the greens yesterday, three putting three times and missing several short putt in a one under par 71.

And he knows he will have to be at his best with the putter in the final round against a player who rates as one of the best in Europe.

“Damien is a top 50 player in Europe, no problem. He was always a good amateur and as a pro he has really proven himself and he is doing everything right.

“He is very similar to what I was like when I first came out on tour. His attitude is just perfect. He is not looking around and watching what other people are doing.”

Lisburn’s Stephen Hamill is just three strokes behind McGrane on two under par after an excellent 70 with Francis Howley (71) a shot further back on one under.

Tour professionals Gary Murphy and Peter Lawrie are just five strokes off the lead on level par after rounds of 68 and 72.

Murphy had two eagles in his round to match Neil Manchip with the best score of the day but believes he needs a course record to have any chance of winning his first Irish title.

“I need the lakes to get bigger and the greens to get a little bit smaller,” he quipped. “I need to shoot 64 tomorrow and hope that they don’t go too mad.”