Took up the game at the age of 11 after caddieing for his father, Jim, who remains his greatest influence. Was a keen soccer player as a youngster growing up in Kilkenny, and had trials for Ireland’s Under 13 and Under 15 teams. Decided to concentrate on golf in 1988, when he was 16 and got down to scratch at 17. Won the Irish Amateur Closed Championship in 1992 and turned professional three years later. Won the Asian Tour School in the Philippines in 1997 and played in Asia for two winters, keeping his card each time. Won his card from the European Tour Qualifying School at fifth attempt in 1999. Played on the Tour in 2000 but was back on the Challenge Tour for two seasons before winning the sixth card at the 2002 Qualifying School and has been ever present since then. Recorded his best Tour finish in 2008, taking a share of third place on home soil in the Irish Open, but was back at Qualifying School – Final Stage in 2009, coming joint 16th to earn his playing rights for the following season.