Paul Dunne will be aiming to become the first Irishman since four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy in 2006 to win the European Amateur Championship which begins at Penati in Slovakia this morning.

The 22-year-old Dubliner, who plays out of Greystones, heads into the prestigious 72-hole event fresh from his stunning performance at the British Open at St Andrews last month, when he became the first amateur since 1927 to lead heading into the final round.

A spot

That has also earned him a spot at the US Amateur Championship later this month, while he will be looking to carry his form into this week’s event – which set McIlroy on the road to stardom with victory nine years ago.

Dunne heads up a strong Irish contingent which also includes Ardglass' Cormac Sharvin.

The 22-year-old has also been in sparkling form this year – winning the Brabazon Trophy in June – while he has figured prominently in strokeplay events in Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

Also looking to make an impact will be Walker Cup player Gavin Moynihan of The Island along with West Waterford's Gary Hurley, who bagged a medal at last year's event on the Dukes course at St Andrews after finishing tied for second place.

Ballymena's Dermot McElroy – who finished tied for ninth last year – is also competing, along with Alex Gleeson (Castle), Jack Hume (Naas) and Robin Dawson (Faithlegg).

His treble

England’s

Ashley Chesters

– winner of this event for the past two years – is looking to complete his treble before turning pro after the Walker Cup in September.

The winner of the European Amateur Championship receives an automatic invite to the British Open and other previous Irish winners include Brian McElhinney (2003), Stephen Browne (2001) and Paddy Gribben (1998).