The Clara man will be hoping to make some moves up the leaderbored later today.
Shane Lowry has had an up and down start to his Masters campaign.
The Offaly man carded a one under par, round of 71.
Lowry mixed four birdies with three bogeys to finish his first day in a tie for 11th.
Two double-bogeys in Rory McIlroy's last four holes undid a lot of the good work he had done yesterday.
The World Number two was 4-under-par through his opening 14 before disaster struck on 15 and on 17.
McIlroy is now level par, 7 shots off the lead held by England's Justin Rose who is 3 shots clear of the field
McIlroy will resume his second round just before 3, whilst Lowry is back out at 3-15.
Coverage with thanks to Keenan Bauer Motors Mullingar - Your home for Citroen and Honda in the Midlands - Keenanbauer.com
Westmeath SFC: The Down's And Coralstown Kinnegad Secure Semi-Final Places
Offaly SHC: It's Great To Be Back In The Semi-Finals - Brian Duignan
Athlone Town Take Big Leap Towards Defending League Title
Laois SHC: Clough Ballacolla And Camross Book Semi-Finals
Westmeath Photographer Captures Katie Taylor’s Retirement Fight At Croke Park
Alex Dunne Claims Sixth Place In Monza F2 Feature Race
Athlone Town Seal Fourth League Win In A Row
Offaly SHC: Kilcormac Killoughey And Ballinamere Seal Semi-Final Spots
Offaly Man Leads GB And Ireland To Epic Walker Cup Win
Three Westmeath Players Named On Intermediate Team Of The Year
Athlone Town Looking To Win Fourth Straight League Game
Aoife O’Brien Takes Rás na mBan Lead
Offaly SHC: Ballinamere Looking To Seal Semi-Final Spot
Athlone Town Continue Push For Women's Premier Division Title
Laois SHC: Five Games To Conclude Group Stages
Katie Taylor Set For Final Fight At Croke Park
Westmeath SFC: Semi-Final Place Up For Grabs
Westmeath SFC: Four Draws Leave St Loman’s Needing Caulry Win
Alex Dunne Returns To Formula Two Action In Monza
Offaly F2 Star Launches Cannonball Charity Partnership