THIRD-ROUND LEADERBOARD (GB & Ireland unless stated):
-16 Lowry (am), Rock -14 J Edfors (Swe) -10 N Dougherty, A Forsyth, T Levet (Fra) -9 C Montgomerie, M Warren Selected others:-7 Pa Lawrie -6 O Wilson -5 L Westwood -4 D Clarke -3 R McIlroy

Lowry three-putted the last to share the lead with Rock at County Louth

Amateur Shane Lowry shares the lead going into the final round of the Irish Open at Baltray after continuing his astonishing European Tour debut.

The Irishman shot a third-round 71 at the windswept links which left him on 16 under with England's Robert Rock.

The burly 22-year-old Lowry led by two shots playing the last but he had a three-putt bogey while Rock birdied.

Sweden's Johan Edfors is two behind with Colin Montgomerie is in a share of seventh place on nine under.

Nick Dougherty, Alastair Forsyth and Thomas Levet all battled well to finish on 10 under on a day when strong winds and driving rain forced a five-hour delay in play at the County Louth course.

But apart from his slip at the last, Lowry produced remarkable golf to post one of only seven sub-par rounds, and his performance was arguably even more impressive than his stunning 62 on Friday.

Lowry played immaculate golf as players of the calibre of Lee Westwood, Paul Lawrie and Paul McGinley all shot 77, Rory McIlroy a 76 and Welshman Jamie Donaldson, joint second at halfway, a 78.

The burly Offaly man now appears to have a real chance of emulating Pablo Martin and Danny Lee in claiming a European Tour title while still an amateur.

If I play the same I have all week, I'll have a good chance Shane Lowry

Rock returned a fine 69 as he continued his pursuit of a maiden Tour victory while Swede Edfors' 68 was the round of the day.

Lowry finished his round was mixed emotions after his "bad bogey" at the last.

"I should not really have been going anywhere near the flag with my third - but I'm still happy enough," said the Irishman.

"I was a bit nervy coming up the last, if you're not nervous you can't be human. If I play the same I have all week I'll have a good chance."

Rock is hoping to go one better after his second runners-up finish of the season in Italy last Sunday.

"I was happy for him (Lowry) that he was playing well, but I am concentrating on trying to win a tournament," said the Englishman.

Graeme McDowell's exit was another big talking-point, a day after his course record 61.

606: DEBATE I was really impressed with Shane Lowry's composure. Played like a young man with and old head Redrage19

The Ryder Cup star, who had recovered from an opening 77 with his incredible 11-under-par round, was forced out with shin splints in his right leg.

McDowell had dropped five shots in his opening eight holes, after starting at the 10th, when play was halted shortly before 1000 BST.

He then opted not to resume and later criticised the decision to halt play.

"I couldn't understand why, when they called it off, I really didn't feel like the wind was blowing much harder than when we teed it up," said McDowell.

"I played myself out of the tournament and I feel like I could jeopardise the next couple of weeks if I don't rest up."

Play was halted after Edfors had a ball blown six inches by the wind on the second green.

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