GMAC sunk a crucial 18 foot birdie putt on the 18th green to finish on level-par for his opening 2 rounds, and enough to just make the cut at the 3 Irish Open in Killarney.

"I haven't quite been myself on the course this week, and in particular putted very poorly today," said Graeme.  "But thankfully I managed to sink one there on 18 and it might just have been the shot I needed to play here this weekend".

It was not quite what McDowell had planned for on his 31st birthday.  Bogeys on 10, 12 and 13 left GMAC well outside the projected cut, and under pressure coming down the stretch.  But two crucial birdies were to follow over the closing holes.

"I really want to play another two rounds, who knows a couple of low rounds could get me back into the tournament."

"Yesterday in particular I just couldn’t get up for it, wasn't feeling in the zone and it showed in my golf.  I desperately wanted to ensure I played all four rounds, as my record in the Irish Open 'aint that great to be honest.  I wanted to change that."

Graeme continued, "My two playing partners (Padraig Harrington and Damien McGrane) gave me a putting lesson today, I really struggled on the greens.  There is a bit of work to be done there, but if I make the cut, then I can just relax, go out there and play over the weekend.  Sometimes that is nice place to be, and often I have scored low from the position.  Let's hope I can make a move tomorrow."

"Ross (Fisher) shot a superb round today - a few of us were watching the leaderboard and reckoned he might pull off the 59.  I got one last week at home, but to do it in a tournament is unheard of.  Unfortunately he could not quite pull it off, but great effort from Fish."

On his 31st birthday, Graeme is looking forward to celebrating with some family and friends in Killarney this evening.

"Obviously I can't quite celebrate in the manner I would like, if you know what I mean," continued GMAC.  "There is still a lot of work to be done this weekend, so I will have to keep focused on that.  But we will still have a bit of craic tonight, and it's great to have Mum and Dad with me this week."

To follow GMAC's scores over the weekend,, visit EuropeanTour.com