Tournament host Rory McIlroy got everything he wanted apart from the weather as he moved into pole position to win the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open for the first time at The K Club.
McIlroy had missed the cut in his home event for the last three years, but added a second round of 70 to his opening 67 to head into the third round just a shot off the lead shared by Masters champion Danny Willett and Scotland's Marc Warren.
Rory McIlroy produces sensational finish to snatch victory at the K Club
As he stepped on to the sunlit 18th green at the K Club Rory McIlroy blew out his cheeks and stared towards the heavens. Then he looked at his ball and its close proximity to the pin and great gales of laughter broke from within him.
A week that had seen him handle all the responsibilities that come with being tournament host at the Irish Open had given way to a final day where he had carried the hopes and yearnings of 30,000 spectators.
Only at the death, when they rose to acclaim his marvellous shot to within tap-in eagle range, could McIlroy and his thunderous army relax.