Three Irish players cleared the first hurdle in the European Tour Qualifying School at Carden Park yesterday.

Raymond Burns, Francis Howley and John Kelly all made it through to stage two, which will take place at three venue in Northern Spain - Emporda GC, Pals GC and Peralada GC - on November 6th to 9th.

In a rain-disrupted last two rounds Burns added 70 and 68 yesterday to his opening 142 for a total of 280, while Howley shot 71 and 68 for 281. John Kelly, from the Ward Driving Range, added a one over par 71 for 284 to make the next round on the cut-off mark.

Conor Mallon just missed out at Wynward GC when his total of 288, after a final round of 72, was one shot too many. Eamonn Brady, who was in contention at Chart Hills, Kent, was forced to retire injured, while Gary Cullen and Tim Rice also failed to make it to the next stage.