'I can't believe that putt went in' - Emotional Shane Lowry retains Ryder Cup for Europe

A hugely emotional Shane Lowry was holding back the tears as he spoke to Sky Sports after he sunk the putt to retain the Ryder Cup.

In the cauldron of the 18th hole at Bethpage Black in New York, the Offaly man held his nerve under the most intense pressure to seal the half point that ensured Europe would retain the Ryder Cup. 

He staged an incredible finish with thre.e birdies in the last four holes and on 17 he made a crucial par to force the match with Russell Henley down the last

"That was the hardest couple of hours of my whole life" he said, with tears welling in his eyes. 

"Honestly, I can't believe that putt went in. I stood over it going 'this is it'. I said to Darren walking down 18, I have the chance to do the coolest thing of my life here. The Ryder Cup means everything to me. I've won The Open in Ireland. It was amazing. It was a dream come true but the Ryder Cup for me is everything"

READ NEXT: WATCH: Shane Lowry shows nerves of steel sinking putt to retain Ryder Cup →

As he began to smile and laugh, Shane added, "to do that out there today on the 18th green in front of everyone. It was so hard out there. Fair play to the US lads, we knew they were going to come out fighting."

While Shane secured the half to retain the Ryder Cup, there were still three matches on course behind him and he said he hoped one of the remaining Europeans would secure another half point at least for the outright win. 

And his wish was granted as Tyrell Hatton halved his match with Colin Morikawa on the 18th to get the magic half point to win the Ryder Cup outright for Europe.