Golf's Irish Open gets under-way in Kilkenny
Golf's Irish Open got under-way at Kilkenny's Mount Juliet Estate on Thursday with former Open champion Shane Lowry among the big names in the field.
He will be looking for a strong display this week, having taken second spot at the Honda Classic and third at the RBC Heritage already this year.
There are some notable locals challenging too, including Clandeyboye's Jonathan Caldwell, Colm Campbell of Warrenpoint and Cormac Sharvin from Ardglass.
35-year old Lowry is using the tournament to ramp up his preparations for The Open, which begins next month at St Andrew's.