Paul Dunne & Matthew Southgate secure European Tour cards

Paul Dunne held his nerve by carding a closing level-par 72 in Girona

Ireland's Open Championship star Paul Dunne secured his 2016 European Tour card by tying for 13th at the Final Qualifier in Girona.

The 22-year-old from Wicklow finished on 10 under par with a final-round level-par 72 at the Cataluyna Resort.

As an amateur, Dunne shared the lead after three rounds of this year's Open before slipping to joint 30th.

England's Matthew Southgate, diagnosed with testicular cancer this summer, booked his card by finishing sixth.

With the top 25 earning cards for next season, compatriot Ross McGowan secured his Tour return as he shared fourth spot on 15 under despite a closing 74.

Englishmen David Dixon and Richard McEvoy regained their places with joint ninth place on 11 under.

Ireland's former China Open winner Damien McGrane tied for 54th, slipping from 18th overnight with a six-over-par 78 to finish on two under par.

County Down-based Simon Thornton also missed out after a closing 71 left him sharing 60th on one under, while Kevin Phelan was a further stroke back after a final-round 72.

Spaniard Adrian Otaegui, American Daniel Im and South Africa's Ulrich Van Den Berg topped the qualifiers on 18 under after six rounds.

Italy's 2010 Ryder Cup player Edoardo Molinari will join brother Francesco on the Tour next season after a closing 69 - featuring four birdies in the last eight holes - earned him a share of 24th.