Paul Rouse: Shane Lowry's New York minute was all about 'Offalyness'

From deep roots in the county, the Clara man has grown into one of global golf's best performers.

IRISH PRIDE: Shane Lowry celebrates after victory for Europe at the Ryder Cup at Black Course at Bethpage State Park Golf Course in Farmingdale, New York. Pic: Vaughn Ridley/Sportsfile

The headline on the front page of the Tullamore Tribune on the week after Shane Lowry won the British Open in Portrush in 2019 made plain how he is viewed in Offaly. It read simply: “The People’s Champion”.

There was an extraordinary outpouring of pride in the county when Shane won that Open. What happened in New York last weekend, with his essential contribution to winning the Ryder Cup, adds another layer to his legend. That he is the greatest sports person who had come from the county is undeniable.