Rory McIlroy leads the 2024 Amgen Irish Open at Royal County Down after a challenging third round in tough wind conditions, securing a one-stroke lead over Matteo Manassero with a 2-under 69. McIlroy, who previously won the Irish Open in 2016, is aiming for his 18th DP World Tour win and second Irish Open victory. Shane Lowry, another home favorite, sits at one-under-par and seeks a Sunday showdown with McIlroy. Tom McKibbin and Seamus Power also performed well, finishing in the top thirty. Despite tough conditions, McIlroy's consistency and strong performance on the par-five first hole have kept him in contention.