Rory McIlroy backing Shane Lowry to deliver perfect ending to Irish Open like no other

Lowry held a four-shot lead after the opening three rounds of the Irish Open at Doonbeg

Rory McIlroy: 'If Shane goes on to win today, that will bring even more attention in a good way.' Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Rory McIlroy should be back home in London by the time the Amgen Irish Open wraps on Sunday evening, but he is hoping Shane Lowry can get the job done and win their national tournament on the back of an historic and surreal week.

The reigning Masters champion clocked out at Trump International Golf Links and Hotel a good hour before Lowry and Javoc Skov Olesen teed off, and after a final round of 67 that left him on just one-under par for a tournament he won 12 months ago.