The groupings have been released ahead of this week's Irish Open at Carton House.

World Number 2 Rory McIlroy will tee-off at 7.50 am on Thursday morning and will be joined for the opening two rounds by his friend Shane Lowry and Denmark's Thomas Bjorn, the 2006 winner.

The other headline-grabbing group will feature Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell and defending champion Jamie Donaldson.

Paul McGinley will be joined by Mikko Ilonen and Stephen Gallacher for the first two days.

©INPHO/Cathal Noonan