by Rossa McDermott
A blistering six under par 66 by Niall Kearney of Royal Dublin on the last day of Stage 2 secured a place in the final round of European Tour Qualifying to be held next week. A total score of 276 at the Costa Ballena Club gave the 2009 Walker Cup player joint 3rd place only two shots behind the winner, Fredrik Ohlsson of Sweden,
The Irish celebrations at Costa Ballena also included St Margaret's John Kelly as his joint 11th place after a 69 on day four gave him playing rights next weekend.
The good news for the Irish spread to Sherry Golf where a 72 from Simon Thornton qualified him for the final stage when his aggregate score of 284 secured joint 6th place. He will be joined by Colm Moriarty who signed for a 72 which was enough for a joint 14th place after an aggregate of 285.
The Hacienda del Alamo course brought further good news when Jonathan Caldwell’s 7 under total secured joint 12th place and the chance to battle it out once again next week at the PGA Catalunya.
At Arcos Gardens the best placed Irish player was Michael Collins of FORE Ireland in 26th which was beyond the reach of the 19 automatic places available. Cian McNamara and Gareth Shaw finished further down the field to see their challenge for their 2010 Tour card also come to an end,
The Q School battle came to an end as well for former European Tour player David Higgins, along with Mervyn Owens, Michael McGeady and Eddie Barr.
A total of 304 players competed over the four venues in Spain for 74 spots in the Final Qualifying Stage and out of a total of twelve Irish challengers at the start of this weekend y five have made through Stage 2.
Final Qualifying will take place at the PGA Golf de Catalunya near Girona from November 28th to December 3rd.
The Irish contenders will be Niall Kearney, John Kelly, Simon Thornton, Colm Moriarty and Jonathan Caldwell.
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