Robert MacIntyre has just teed off and has the chance to create a bit of history today by becoming the first man to win the Scottish and Irish Opens in the same year.

The Scotman's down-to-earth nature makes him a popular character wherever he plays and he has had some thrilling battles with McIlroy in the past - including at last year's Scottish Open when the Northern Ireland man edged a dramatic victory.

Image source, Getty Images

In other Irish interest, Waterford's Seamus Power is one under through the front nine today which brings him to level par for the tournament.

Amateur Seán Keeling has finished 13 over for the tournament after a three over final day. Still a superb experience for the 18 year-old Dubliner and I'm sure this won't be the last we will see of him.

Matt Gault
BBC Sport NI at Royal County Down

Rory McIlroy may be the star attraction this week, but there's been great support for Tom McKibbin, too.

The 21-year-old Northern Irishman played with McIlroy over the first two rounds and battled commendably on Saturday to leave himself inside the top-15.

However, McKibbin has made a disappointing start today as three opening pars were then followed by a double-bogey five at the fourth which dropped him back to two over.

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, BBC Sport

Shane Lowry faltered badly yesterday after his three straight birdies to start his round.

However, he has enjoyed himself more so far on day four at Royal County Down as he is three under through eleven holes as he birdied the first two holes for the third straight day.

He was hoping to go toe-to-toe with his Olympic team-mate McIlroy today which hasn't materialised but he is certainly having a more consistent round than yesterday.

Dan Brown, so prominent during this year's Open Championship at Royal Troon, is showing his love for links golf again today as he has followed an eagle at the first with a birdie on two which puts him only two behind leader McIlroy.

The Englishman seems to like playing golf in Northern Ireland having won the men's event at last year's World Invitational at Galgorm Castle.

Matt Gault
BBC Sport NI at Royal County Down

If you were wondering whether someone could emerge from the chasing pack, look no further than Jimmy Walker.

The veteran American is one of the few major champions in the field this week.

He won the 2016 US PGA Championship - his last victory - and has twice played in the Ryder Cup, but he's had health issues and has fallen outside the world's top 500 after cracking the top-10 at one point.

But he's making a good move here. Hands buried in his pockets when he's not swinging, Walker is five under for the day and just four back of McIlroy - although he's got only four holes left.

The DP World Tour has hung its hat on Rory McIlroy's appearance at this week's Irish Open and the home hero has delivered so far as he leads going into today's final round at Royal County Down.

The expectant McIlroy faithful has arrived in huge numbers willing its hero to clinch a victory that he says would partially atone for the "close misses" which included late heartbreak at the US Open.

"It wouldn't make up for all of it, but it would put a nice shine on 2024 for me," said McIlroy last evening after signing for a two-under-par 69 which gives him a one-shot lead over Matteo Mannasero.

McIlroy, who tees off at 13:05 BST alongside the Italian, is aiming for a second Irish Open victory having won at the K Club in 2016.

Tears flowed that day in county Kildare after the Holywood man's success but the emotion of that will surely be exceeded if he today secures the triumph that the home fans crave.

Follow every twist and turn in our live text commentary this afternoon.

Image source, Inpho