Early bird catches worm as Norrman nabs Irish Open

Sweden's Vincent Norrman surged through the field to win the Horizon Irish Open as Rory McIlroy's bid for a second victory in the event came to a shambolic end.

Norrman carded a flawless closing 65 at The K Club to finish 14 under par and a shot ahead of 54-hole leader Hurly Long, with former champion Shane Lowry part of a four-way tie for third on 12 under.

McIlroy began the final round two behind Long and birdied the first and fourth either side of a 90-minute weather delay to share the lead, but found water on the seventh, 11th and twice on the 16th as he stumbled to a 74.

Norrman started the day six behind Long but made six birdies in the space of eight holes from the seventh and then two-putted the par-five 18th for another to set the clubhouse target on 14 under.

Long was briefly on the same score thanks to a birdie on the 12th, but bogeyed the next two holes and was unable to make an eagle on the last to force a play-off.

"It means everything," Norrman said after his second DP World Tour title in two months, the first coming in the co-sanctioned Barbasol Championship in July.

"It's such a cool event to play, the fans have been incredible and I really had a fun week out there. It was a long wait (for everyone to finish) but I'm super happy. I can't believe this happened. I'm over the moon.

"I was starting off a little so-so and I made two birdies and got a rain delay, had a coffee and then went out and flushed it.

"I knew there were a few chances out there. I didn't really have a number in my head. I just tried to press on with some birdie looks and saved a few great pars too to keep the momentum going."

McIlroy, who lifted the trophy the last time The K Club hosted the event in 2016, followed his early birdies with a