Bright finale on the horizon... under gloomy skies

Conditions are thoroughly miserable on the fourth and final day of the Murphy's Irish Open in Fota Island.

Conditions are thoroughly miserable on the fourth and final day of the Murphy's Irish Open in Fota Island.

Conditions are thoroughly miserable on the fourth and final day of the Murphy's Irish Open in Fota Island.

Glorious sunshine, which pre-empted pints of the sponsors stout on the lawns between the 18th green and clubhouse, have been substituted by grey skies and constant rain.

Philip Walton was the first Irishman to take to the course moments ago; he will be followed by Padraig Harrington at 12:07, with Des Smyth playing in the group behind.

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The eagerly-anticipated Ulster pairing of Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell tees-off at 1:33 after both players put themselves in contention by shooting 65s yesterday.

Eamonn Darcy is the leading Irishman at 8 under, and will set off at 1:51, three shots behind the leaders.

The Scandanavian trio of Denmark's Thomas Bjorn and Soren Hansen, alongside Sweden's Niclas Fasth lead the way on 11 under.