Faithlegg's Robin Dawson birdied three of his last four holes to lead the Irish challenge at the halfway stage of the Portuguese Amateur Open.

The Irish Boys champion fired a two under par 70 at Montado near Libson to share 23rd place on level par, seven strokes behind leaders David Morago of Spain and Italy's Renato Paratore.

Dawson is the only Irish player inside the top 40 and ties who will make the cut after 54 holes with The Island's Paul McBride the next best in joint 48th on three over after adding a 75 to his first round 72.

Leaderboard

Stackstown's Richard Bridges is 59th on five over after a 74 with Claremorris' Stephen Healy (75) a shot further back in 66th.

Lucan's Richard O'Donovan (73) and Belvoir Park's Harry Diamond (78) are 68th on seven over with Matthew Wylie back in 111th on 16 over after an 81.