McBride cruises to Hilary win at Baltray

The Island's Paul McBride during last year's East of Ireland at Co Louth. Picture: Thos Caffrey / www.golffile.ie

Ulster Boys champion and Irish international Paul McBride fired a five under par 67 to win the RaboDirect Hilary outing at County Louth Golf Club.

The pride of The Island eagled the par-five second hole and birdied the third, fifth and seventh to go out in just 32 strokes.

Bogeys followed at the 11th and 12th but he birdied the 13th thanks to a five-iron to 10 feet and then hit a wedge close to pick up another shot at the short, par-four 14th.

On a day when the Baltray was yielding birdies, runner up John Greene also eagled the par-five second but bogeys at the fourth and seventh saw him cover the front nine in level par.

The Portmarnock man came back strongly and added birdies at the 10th, 15th and 18th with a lone bogey at the 12th for a two under 70.

Malahide's Paul O'Connor took the gross honours with a one under par 71  with birdies at the second, sixth, seventh, 18th and bogeys at eighth, 12th and 15th.

McBride also won the team event with playing partners, Paul Behan of St. Anne's and Eoin O'Hehir from Naas.

RaboDirect Hilary Golf Society, County Louth

• 1st: Paul McBride (The Island) (+2) 69
• 2nd: John Greene (Portmarnock) (Scr) 70
• Gross: Paul O'Connor (Malahide) 71
• Team: P McBride (Island), P Behan (St Anne's), E O'Hehir (Naas) 63.

Next outing: The Royal Dublin Golf Club, Sunday April 6th.