2024 Irish Open scores: Rory McIlroy takes 54-hole lead into final round at Royal County Down

McIlroy shoots 66 to lead by one from Pádraig Harrington

Shane Lowry three shots off the pace after 3 under par round of 68

Rory McIlroy will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the 2024 Irish Open after carding a third-round 66 at Royal County Down. The four-time major champion is seeking his first Irish Open title since 2016 and produced a superb round on Saturday to move to 12 under par. Pádraig Harrington is McIlroy's nearest challenger on 11 under after a 69, with Shane Lowry a further shot back on 10 under following a 68. McIlroy began the day with a one-shot deficit to halfway leader Ryan Fox, but the New Zealander dropped three shots in his first six holes to fall out of contention. McIlroy took advantage by making birdies on the second, fourth and seventh holes to move two clear of the field. He dropped a shot on the 10th but responded with birdies on the 12th and 14th to restore his three-shot cushion. A bogey on the 17th reduced his lead to one, but he parred the last to sign for a 66. Harrington made a flying start with birdies on the first two holes and added another on the seventh to turn in 33. He picked up further shots on the 12th and 14th but dropped a shot on the 16th to finish with a 69. Lowry started slowly with a bogey on the first but recovered with birdies on the third, seventh, 10th and 12th. He dropped a shot on the 16th but birdied the last to card a 68. The final round of the Irish Open is set to be a fascinating duel between McIlroy and Harrington, with Lowry also in contention. McIlroy is seeking his first win of the season, while Harrington is looking to add to his Irish Open tally of six wins. Lowry is seeking his second Irish Open title after his victory in 2019.