Michael McGeady of McCambridge Duffy signed for a fourth round 67 to finish in third place - on thirteen under - five shots behind the event winner, Ricki Neil-Jones of England, to reach the next stage of the Qualifying School.
Neil-Jones had reason to celebrate after setting a course record of 63 at The London Golf Club in Kent on Friday and a final score of eighteen under after an eagle and eight birdies to top the list of 24 qualifiers who made it through the First Qualifying Stage – Section A.
His aggregate score of 270 was good enough for a four stroke win over fellow Englishman Yasin Ali.
Niall Turner of Muskerry Golf Club ended the four days with a 67 to finish on five under par in a share of 19th place to guarantee his place at Stage 2 in November.
Shane Franklin signed for a 72 to end one over par in a tie for 47th place and misses the next stage.
At Ribagolfe in Portugal, 20 players moved a step closer to their goal of a European Tour card with home favourite Tiago Cruz of the host nation and Spain’s Borja Etchart sharing first place on five under par 283.
The First Qualifying Stage continues next week at Ebreichsdorf in Austria - with Irish players Justin Brink of Mieminger Plateau GC and Eamon Brady of Clontarf involved.
At Barbaroux in France – Michael Mulryan of Athenry GC, Richard Kilpatrick of Banbridge GC, Cian McNamara of Limerick GC, Byron Campbell of Malone GC and Glen Robinson of St. Helens Bay GC – will compete next week.
