Frenchman Gregory Bourdy opened a 1-shot lead in the second round of the Irish Open as Rory McIlroy edged his way back toward the leaderboard on Friday.

Bourdy, the joint first round lead, had an eagle on his second hole and six birdies and three bogeys to move to 12-under 132, one stroke ahead of Englishman Mark Foster. Both carded 5-under 67.

The other first round leader, Indian Jeev Milkha Singh, shot one-under 71 to be four off the pace.

McIlroy climbed 29 places and into a tie for 24th with his 3-under 69 with five birdies and two bogeys on the Royal Portrush links course.

Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington moved into contention with a second straight 67 to sit two off the lead.

Best of the Australians was Matthew Zions (66 71) five off the pace.

US PGA champion Keegan Bradley missed the cut at his first tournament in Europe after a 1-under 71 on the second day for even par overall.