McDowell shoots course record 61

Graeme McDowell moved into contention after a superb 61

Graeme McDowell beat the County Louth course record by two shots with a brilliant 11-under-par 61 in Friday's second round at the Irish Open.

The Portrush player went out in 29 and birdied the final two holes to set the record and move to six under.

Rory McIlroy is seven under after a 68 with the same score leaving Darren Clarke five under and Michael McGeady finished three over after 77.

Irish amateur Shane Lowry leads by two on 15 under after a 62.

Welshman Jamie Donaldson is Lowry's closest challenger while Scotland's Paul Lawrie, who lies fourth on 12 under, carded a hole-in-one at the 17th.

McDowell struggled to a 77 on Thursday but went 16 shots better on Friday as he equalled his best ever round on the European Tour.

The Ryder Cup player made a fantastic start with five birdies and an eagle in his opening six holes and his only belmish came with a bogey at the 12th.

"A certain element of pride kicked in as I was very disappointed with Thursday's round," said McDowell.

"However, part of me realised I had not played as badly as my score suggested and I took some positives - I just made nothing on the greens.

"I knew if I came out today, put the ball in the fairway and gave myself some chances I could maybe be here for the weekend.

"But I never imagined I would shoot a 61."

Paul McGinley (68) and Gary Murphy (69) ended five under with Damien McGrane (71) a shot behind while Padraig Harrington (68) missed the cut.

European Senior Tour player Des Smyth (70) was two under, Peter Lawrie (71) one under while amateur Eoin Arthurs (68) and Eamonn Brady will also miss the weekend after finishing level.

Noel Fox (73) finished one over with Barrie Trainor (73) two over.

John Kelly (74), Phil Walton (73) and John Kelly (74) were three over, Simon Thonton (72) was a further shot back and John Dwyer (77) slipped to 10 over.