Rosapenna’s Ruaidhri McGee made a brave last stand but while he finished a fine 12th in the season-ending NBO Golf Classic Grand Final he came up more than €18,626 short in his bid to win his European Tour card via the Road to Oman Rankings.

West Waterford’s Gary Hurley fired five birdies in an opening 68 to get his qualifying bid off to a positive start in the 72-hole European Tour Qualifying School Second Stage in Spain.

Rosapenna’s Ruaidhri McGee fired an eagle and one birdie in a three under 69 to keep his European Tour card hopes alive in Oman.

Rosapenna's Ruaidhri McGee faced an uphill battle to win his European Tour card heading into today's second round of the Challenge Tour's NBO Golf Classic Grand Final in Oman.