David Ruddy and Noel Murray carded rounds of two under 71 to share the spoils at the Black Bush Ladies Assistants Pro-Am.

The pair finished one shot ahead of Galgorm Castle's Ross Oliver and two ahead of Hazel Kavanagh, Carr Golf Services.

Ruddy from Cahir Park declared himself 'happy enough' to finish on two under although he admitted to some frustrations after reaching four under before carding two late bogeys.

The 25-year-old has set himself the ambitious target of finishing inside the top eight on the PGA in Ireland Order of Merit.

"I have been putting in a lot of hard work and that performance is certainly a boost to the confidence," he said.

Murray who is attached to Massereene GC has been a regular winner of Northern Branch events but feels the time is right to take a step up and compete more regularly on the Irish circuit.

"I really have to try and push on now," said the 23-year-old who has been working with Dungannon based coach, Chris Jelly. "I'm playing a full season of events this year and I'd love to book a spot in the Irish Open."

In the team event, Ciaran Molloy of Blackwood GC with 85 points edged out Murray by a single point.

Black Bush Ladies Assistants Pro-Am

• 1 David Ruddy, Cahir Park Golf Club -2; Noel Murray, Massereene Golf Club -2 
• 3 Ross Oliver, Galgorm Castle Golf Club -1 
• 4 Hazel Kavanagh, Carr Golf Services E 
• 5 Brian McElhinney, Foyle Golf Centre +1; Neil O'Briain Old Conna Golf Club +1
• 7 Ciaran Molloy, Blackwood Golf Centre +2; Patrick Small, Galway Golf Club +2 
• 9 Joe Dillon, Headfort Golf Club +3; Steven Quinlan, Lucan Golf Club +3; David Reilly, Westmanstown Golf Club +3
• Team results
• 1 Ciaran Molloy (Blackwood GC) 85, 2 Noel Murray (Massereene GC) 84, Brian McElhinney (Foyle GC) 83, Jarlaith Keane (Balcarrick GC) 83

Mullan takes up head professional role at Kirkistown Castle GC

Former Knock GC assistant, Niall Mullan, has been appointed as Head professional at Kirkistown Castle GC.

The 25-year-old, who completed his PGA studies in 2012, replaces Neil Graham who has moved on to Portstewart GC.

Mullan lives locally and played his early golf at the links course situated in the village of Cloughey on the Ards Peninsula.

He will be responsible for managing the shop and developing juniors at the club.