Ireland struggling in hat-trick chase
Ireland's bid for a hat-trick of European Men's Amateur Team Championships suffered an almost fatal blow on the opening day at Conwy in Wales.
Not one of the six-man side could break par in the first round, leaving Kevin Flanagan's side a massive 28 shots behind leaders England in 14th place.
What's worse is that Ireland are 12 strokes outside the top eight sides that will earn the right to battle it out for the title following Wednesday's second strokeplay qualifying round.
Matteo ManasseroItalian 16 year old Matteo Massanero, the youngest winner of the Amateur Championship at Formby just 10 days ago, rattled around in six-under par 66 to set the pace in the individual competition and lop a stroke off the amateur course record.
But it was not a day to remember for an Irish side that features several players with high hopes of making the Walker Cup side later this year.
Portstewart's Paul Cutler, the East of Ireland champion, and Baltray's Simon Ward were the best of the Irish brigade with level par 72s.
The rest were disappointing with Dara Lernihan carding a 75, Brabazon Trophy winner Niall Kearney a 76 and Irish Close runner up Cian Curley a 77.
The discarded score was a seven over 79 by the St Andrews Links Trophy winner Alan Dunbar.