Jubilation as Lowry wins The Open at Royal Portrush

By Q Radio News

Shane Lowry's father has hailed his son's Open Championship victory as the best birthday present he has ever given him.

Brendan Lowry, a celebrated Gaelic footballer, turned 60 days before Shane clinched the Claret Jug in famous scenes at Royal Portrush.

Mr Lowry said his own all-Ireland GAA crown, won with Co Offaly in 1982, paled in comparison with his son's triumph at the Open's historic return to the island of Ireland.

"Here's no comparison at all when your son does that," he said.

"It was my birthday last Friday, I was 60 last Friday, that's why he handed me the thing and said 'Happy birthday Dad'."

The family had gathered at the back of the 18th green to watch as Lowry sealed his six-shot victory.

His father described the scenes as thousands of fans charged down the fairway to savour the moment as "mayhem" and "absolutely mental".

"We all met behind the 18th," said Mr Lowry.

"Padraig Harrington came in and he was like, 'Would you all stop crying'. That's what he said, everybody was crying.

"That's what he dreamed about, like any young sportsman when they take it up they dream of things like that.

"What about winning the British Open in Ireland - you can't dream it, and in Portrush, which he likes too."

As his son fulfilled his media duties, Mr Lowry's mind was already turning to the celebrations.

"I'm going off to get a bottle of Heineken, that's where I am going," he said.

LOWRY WINS OPEN! 1st @TheOpen here for almost 70 years and it just had to be an Irish winner. He's Offaly good. Lowry. Legend. Mother of all golf parties officially underway after the best #TheOpen ever! @royalportrush @ShaneLowryGolf #OpenChampion2019 #Portrush https://t.co/h3iZsCOzp3

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 21, 2019

Tears of joy from an emotional @ShaneLowryGolf Thanks family - and the fans. Praises #Portrush 148th #TheOpen winner @royalportrush https://t.co/VhCscpa1xD

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 21, 2019

The greatest fans in the world. And so say all of us. @ShaneLowryGolf #TheOpen @royalportrush #NorthernIreland #Ireland https://t.co/eB1kjEfWJ4

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 21, 2019

Just singin’ 🎤 and dancin’ 💃 in the ☔️ ... @ShaneLowryGolf 6 clear with 3 to play ... Get the Guinness on ice! 🥳 @royalportrush #TheOpen⁠ ⁠ https://t.co/Zu1RSIYivo

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 21, 2019

.@ShaneLowryGolf £1.56m for winning #TheOpen

For seeing his name on Claret Jug, a 1st Major - priceless

This week for Northern Ireland - likewise

Glory for Lowry & NI caddie Brian 'Bo' Martin

Reports & reaction on momentous week @royalportrush on air am

It's party time... pic.twitter.com/pX48Ge4I54

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 21, 2019

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