Tears flood Rome as Europe regain the Ryder Cup

'I think one of the biggest accomplishments in golf right now is winning an away Ryder Cup. And that is what we're going to do at Bethpage,' said McIlroy, targeting future success.

WINNING FEELING: Team Europe captain Luke Donald, centre, lifts the Ryder cup with his team, from left, Tommy Fleetwood, Sepp Straka, Shane Lowry, Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton, Nicolai Højgaard, Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Åberg, Robert MacIntyre and Jon Rahm. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

The giant scoreboard above the water on the 18th green changed again and suddenly all around Marco Simone golf club there was pandemonium. 

Spectators raided the fairway in a giddy stampede. Rory McIlroy raced like a reunited lover into Shane Lowry’s protective arms. It had come down to the final three matches but finally Europe were champions.