Royal Dublin's Niall Kearney returned to the winner's circle when he carded a two-under-par 69 to win the nett in the TaylorMade Winter Series at Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links.

The former Walker Cup player and two-time Irish Professional Championship winner birdied the fourth to be out in one-under 34, then picked up further shots at the 10th and 14th before making his lone bogey of the day at the par-three 17th.

Tullamore's Stuart Grehan, now also a professional, claimed the best gross with a level par 71, edging out Galway's Ronan Mullarney based on his last three holes with Laytown & Bettystown's Eugene Smith third with a 72

Mullingar's Adam Smith, playing off scratch, came home in level par to shoot a two-over 73 to take the second nett prize on a countback from Courtown one-handicapper Ross Steedman

The par-four 18th again proved crucial with Black Bush's Sean Doyle the latest victim

He was one-under for his round before a triple bogey seven saw him finish with a 73, scuppering his chances of a prize on a day when 88 players took to the links.

TaylorMade Winter Series, Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links (Par 71 )

Tuesday 13th February — Men: SSS 75 CSS 75 / Ladies:  SSS 73 CSS 73

Nett

1. Niall Kearney (Pro) Royal Dublin 69
2. Adam Smith (0) Mullingar 73
3. Ross Steedman (1) Courtown 73

Gross

1. Stuart Grehan (Pro) Unattached 71 (B3:11)
2. Ronan Mullarney (+3) Galway GC 71 (B3:12)
3. Eugene Smith (+2) Laytown & Bettystown 72.