Gavin Moynihan had his late coach Hugh Jackson whispering his final swing tip in his ear as he came through the toughest days of his golfing life and cruised through the First Stage of the European Tour Qualifying School in Portugal.

He might have bent one of his trusty wedges after a collision with a tree but Gavin Moynihan hit few snags in his First Stage Section C Qualifying School bid in Lisbon, firing a four 68 to move up to tied fourth with a round to go.

Michael McGeady and Walker Cup start Gavin Moynihan fired 68s in the second round of the European Tour Qualifying School First Stage Section C events in France and Portugal to move one step closer to October's Second Stage.

Derry's Michael McGeady is the only Irish p;ayer inside the qualifying places after the opening round of the Qualifying School First Stage Section C qualifiers in France and Portugal.