Intro:

Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy fires a three-over-par 74 as he makes a disappointing start to his Irish Open bid at Fota Island on Thursday.

Script:

The Irish Open began at Fota Island in Cork, Ireland, on Thursday.

Rory McIlroy fired a three-over-par 74 as he made a disappointing start to his title bid.

The two-time major winner from Northern Ireland carded six bogeys and three birdies at the County Cork course.

Robert Karlsson is tied in second place with fellow Swede Magnus A Carlsson and German Marcel Siem after this excellent approach.

Mikko Ilonen went even better with his effort as he finished the day two shots ahead in first place with an impressive 64.

The 34-year-old landed this birdy on the 7th...

... and this effort on the 9th as Ilonen birdied five of his last seven holes. In Sunday's second round the Finn will be hoping his lead isn't fin.