The pair carded six-under-par 66s to share the lead after the opening day of the Irish Open at Adare Manor in County Limerick.

And although the home nation provided 21 starters in the 156-strong field, it was left to Ulster teenager Rory McIlroy to keep the home fires burning.

Only a week after his 19th birthday McIlroy outshone Padraig Harrington and Darren Clark with a two-under round of 70 with the highlight of a birdie at Adare’s danger-strewn 18th hole where he covered its 548-yard length with a drive and a five iron.

At the same hole reigning Irish Open champion Harrington, who carded a 72, sent his drive into the River Maigue.