Aaron Rai in Irish Open lead as Galgorm woes continue for Shane Lowry and Padraig Harrington

Rai, who won his maiden European Tour title in Hong Kong two years ago, set a clubhouse target of five under par after following his opening 65 with a level-par 70.

“It was good,” said Rai. “A bit of a mixed bag out there but I think it is to be expected, the course played so tough.

“I think driving it is key around here, with how thick the rough is, and I think for most part I have driven it well the last few days.

“When I have had chances I have made a few putts as well. So probably a mix of driving and putting.”

Home favourites Padraig Harrington and Shane Lowry both look set to miss the cut.

Ryder Cup captain Harrington carded a five-over 75 to lie six over, with Open champion Lowry seven over for the week after a 72.

“It is a pity, going to be one too many by the looks of it,” said Harrington. “I played a lot better, didn’t take my chances early on and then got some swirling winds and didn’t chip very well, so I played a lot better than the score but these things happen.”

A 90-minute morning frost delay meant that 27 players were unable to finish their second rounds, with Rai’s fellow Englishmen Toby Tree and Jordan Smith and Australian Maverick Antcliff best placed of those with holes remaining to snatch the halfway lead.

Rai was one of only two players to card bogey-free opening rounds.