Damien McGrane defied the blustery conditions at the Madeira Island Open to make a sound start in the tournament.

The Co Meath golfer chalked up a four-under-par 68 in the opening round. McGrane started out at the 10th at the hilltop Santo da Serra course and quickly got into his stride.

He chalked up birdies at his opening hole then followed that by picking up a further shot at the 11th. Two bogies on the outward nine then tempered that start but another four birdies coming home saw him share second place on four-under, two behind early leader Jarmo Sandelin.

McGrane finished his round by chipping in at the last. "That was a sweet way to finish," he said. "I played steady and at least I am running with the pack, which is good."

Gary Murphy also had good reason to be satisfied with his day's work, a round of 69 keeping him within striking distance of the Swede, while Colm Moriarty (+4) will be looking to improve in tomorrow's second round.

Michael Hoey, on the other hand, never got the grips with the conditions and will be merely making up the numbers tomorrow after shooting an ugly round of 83.