Reporting from Shane Lowry's Homecoming, Clara, Offaly.
He strolled in behind a full marching band, a broad smile plastered across his face and the Claret Jug aloft.
There to greet him were thousands of people, his people. The town of Clara, the county of Offaly and beyond out in force to celebrate their local star. The emotion was evident and pride pervasive. One of their own, fresh from winning the Open Championship.
An overwhelmed Shane Lowry stood on stage, surrounded by his friends and family. No better way to celebrate it, as he explains, they’d been with him all the way through.
I saw my family standing at the gap when you walk out from the 18th and I got a bit emotional then. Walking up 18th I saw my uncle Paddy standing on the grandstand. When you see how happy people are… an incredible day.
The reaction has been seismic. Universal celebration and congratulations. He’s quick to apologise and explain he is yet to work through the backlog of messages received since Sunday. Yet he still maintains the modest streak that has made this victory so sweet for the nation. Elated, and a little surprised, at the compliments from GAA celebrities.
“Michael Duignan text me and asked can he give my number to Henry Shefflin and Brian Whelahan," he declares with a laugh. "I said you can give my number to any legends like that! I’ve had many messages from great people."
For now, he is a major champion and major celebrations will follow in Clara. But Lowry hopes that this success will have an impact beyond tonight.
"I never thought... to win it up in Portrush was just unreal. I think if you were to write down all the events I played in ever when I finish my career and pick one to win, I think it'd be pretty close to the top."
"To see this now this evening, it’s incredible, isn’t it? There are loads of kids out here. Hopefully, it will inspire them to take up the game anyway."
