The Northern Irish golfer was denied a first professional win on home turf as he finished one shot behind Rasmus Hojgaard after a costly bogey on the 17th hole of his final round and lamented how second-place finishes have been a theme this year after he narrowly missed out on victory at the US Open in June.

McIlroy said: "I'm getting used to it unfortunately this year.

"Hopefully the tide is going to turn pretty soon, and I can turn all these close calls into victories."

The world number three led by four shots at one point during Sunday's (15.09.24) concluding round but was left to rue mistakes on the 15th and 17th holes that saw victory escape his grasp.

McIlroy said: "Missing the green right on 15 is the place you can't go and then I just misjudged the speed with the first putt on 17.

"Overall, obviously really disappointed that I didn't win but I'll try to take the positives and move on to next week to Wentworth [at the BMW PGA Championship]."

The four-time major champion was the main attraction for crowds at the Royal County Down course and he was grateful for the passionate support he received.

McIlroy remarked: "I must say, that roar when I hit that second shot on 18 was pretty cool.

"The support I got out there this week was absolutely amazing. I certainly don't take it for granted.

"I had to try to keep my composure walking up to the 18th green there. Wish I could play in front of those fans and this atmosphere every week.

"From where I was at the start of the week and what I wanted to do, it's a step in the right direction. You know, if anything, it just whets my appetite even more for Portrush [the Open Championship] next year."