Heroic McIlroy and Lowry silence the simpletons and Bethpage in Ryder Cup classic

Amid a caustic cascade of abuse from locals, the European teammates produced a performance of grit and stones which should live in the pantheon of this tournament — and Irish sport

BETHPAGE BEASTS: Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy celebrate fourball victory on the 18th hole. Pic:AP Photo/Matt Slocum

When it was all over and the pleasantries — ha! — had been exchanged, Rory McIlroy collapsed into Shane Lowry's chest. Spent. Physically, mentally, emotionally, whatever else you're having. Just entirely spent. 

His teammate's chest would surely have been tender, having been thumped black and blue on every hole the Irish duo won in a wild afternoon fourballs match that will go down in the annals of this cup, which holds history and heritage as closely as McIlroy clung to Lowry on the 18th green of Bethpage Black.