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NEWCASTLE, Northern Ireland — Rory McIlroy has birdied his final three holes to shoot 3-under 68 and sit two strokes off the first-round lead at the Irish Open. The No. 3-ranked McIlroy is attempting to win his home tournament for the second time and is playing at Royal County Down Golf Club, which is a short drive from his childhood home of Holywood in Northern Ireland. Tough winds and some rain made for tough conditions. No. 291-ranked Todd Clements of England dealt with it the best in making five birdies and a 15-footer for eagle for a 66 and a one-stroke lead. Sami Valimaki of Finland and Alejandro Del Rey of Spain were in a tie for second after 67s.
