A double-bogey at the last was not enough to deny Padraig Harrington a second successive Irish PGA Championship today - indeed, it merely reduced the margin of victory from six to four strokes.

The Open champion will now head to Royal Birkdale next week with his game in fine fettle having again reacquainted himself with the vagaries of links golf around the European Club's daunting layout.

Starting the day with a six shot cushion on level-par, the tournament was Harrington's to lose but dropped shots at the first and fourth may have afforded the chasing Philip Walton a glimmer of hope.

However, birdies at the fifth and eighth steadied the ship and by the time both players reached the turn only an epic collapse would deny the defending champion.

Further birdies at the 13th and 15th extended Harrington's advantage and while three shots were dropped in the final three holes, the winner was already home and hosed.

Round of the day - and the week - went to Francis Howley, his 67 around Pat Ruddy's devilishly difficult links a magnificent effort.