Canadian Alison Murdoch is clear favourite to capture her third title in four years after adding a steady 80 to lead the field by three strokes going into the final round at the Irish Senior Ladies Open Strokeplay Championship at Ennis Golf Club.

Birdies on nine and 10 helped on her way to a seven-over-par 80.

Defending champion Vicki Thomas of Wales set the early clubhouse target of 160 after carding a best-of-the-day 75.

Grange's Sheena O'Brien Kenney is best placed of the Irish in joint-third, five shots off the lead, following a fine 77. Belvoir Park's Violet McBride added an 80 to join O'Brien Kenney in the top four.