Kearney wins Brabazon Trophy by five

Royal Dublin's Niall Kearney was inspired by Shane Lowry's Irish Open triumph as he romped to a five-shot win in the Brabazon Trophy at  Moortown near Leeds.

Lowry is expected to turn professional on Monday and miss the Walker Cup at Merion in September but Kearney could be there after becoming the first Irish winner of the English Amateur title for 29 years.

A close friend of Lowry's, Kearney said: “It’s great. I heard about it when we were coming up the 14th. That news spurred me on to complete my victory.

"This win means a lot to me. It’s a relief because the weather wasn’t too kind all week but I play well.

"I’m on the Walker Cup squad and hopefully this will prove a stepping stone to getting on the team. It is a real confidence booster and kicks off my season.”

Ronan Rafferty was the last Irishman to win the title when he shared the trophy with Peter McEvoy at Hunstanton in 1980.

But there was no doubt about Kearney's victory as he finished was the only player in red figures on five under par in an event shortened to 54 holes following the cancellation of Friday's first round.

Kearney carded a three under 68 in the morning to lead by two shots from England's Liam Burns and then two eagles and three bogeys in his final round 70.

Liam Burns finished second after a closing 73 with Welshman Joe Vickery in third on one-over after a closing 68.

Newlands' Andrew Hogan and Rathmore's Alan Dunbar were tied for fourth on three over par with Cian Curley 20th on six over, Dara Lernihan 25th on seven over and Paul Cutler 43rd on 12 over.