Stanley defender Phil Edwards slotted home a 73rd-minute penalty to give both mid-table sides a point in the local derby after former Reds man Kieran Charnock was adjudged to have fouled striker Terry Gornell.
Morecambe had taken the lead just seven minutes earlier when Tony Capaldi`s long throw-in was only half cleared and converted by Phil Jevons on the edge of the area.
McIlroy said: "I am delighted to come here and get anything as I never win here. The lads played well and we had Kevan Hurst and Andy Holdsworth starting their first games for us and I was delighted with them.
"When we scored, we were playing well on a difficult pitch and I thought we might hold on.
"I didn't see the penalty as I was calling to a sub, but we have given a number of penalties away this season which is frustrating but I am happy with the performance and it's something to build on."
Source: PA
Source: PA