Irish trio scaling heights at Alps Tour Q-School

Irish trio Dara Lernihan, Gareth Shaw and Brendan McCarroll are poised to secure their cards for the 2011 Alps Tour.

Lernihan and Shaw were inside the top-10 at the final qualifying school in Italy entering today’s final round at Riva Dei Tessali near Taranta in southern Italy with McCarroll tied 17th in an event where the top 35 and ties earn cards

Lernihan, 23, who turned professional at the end of the season that saw him clinch victory in the Irish Close Championship at Royal Dublin, carded a pair of 67s to go into the final round tied for seventh place on nine-under par.

Following a disappointing season on the European Challenge Tour, Shaw followed a two under 69 on the Riva dei Tessali course with a six under 66 on the Metaponto track to share eighth place on eight under.

Ballyliffin starlet McCarroll - 25th on the Europro Tour money list this term - was tied 17th after rounds of 68 (Tessali) and 69 (Metaponto) before adding a a two under 69 on the Tessali course this morning.

McCarroll birdied the 16th and 18th to share 10th place on the clubhouse on eight under par.

Lernihan and Shaw were both level par for the day through six holes. Click here for live scoring