The 2010 US Open winner will tee off later in a tie for 2nd place at the Fota Island Resort.
He's on 8-under par, alongside Frenchman Romain Wattel and former runner-up Robert Rock.
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Miko Ilonen holds a 2-shot lead from 10-under par.
There's a strong Irish challenge in Cork this weekend.
Padraig Harrington and Gareth Maybin are just two shots behind McDowell.
They are tied for 8th place on 6-under par.
Darren Clarke is already out on course and has already picked up 2 shots in his first seven holes today to sit on 4 under par.
Waterford amateur Gary Hurley has just teed off from 4-under, while Michael Hoey is also just underway from 3-under par.
