Paul McGrath was just one of a sea of Irish people delighting in Shane Lowry's victory on Sunday evening at the BMW PGA Championship in Wentworth.
The Italia 90 hero is a big fan of the modern-day Irish sports star who is one of the very few who could rival his popularity in terms of being universally beloved up and down the country.
Sure enough, an overjoyed McGrath took to social media to share his delight at the Offaly native securing his first win since The 2019 Open.
READ MORE: Shane Lowry's brilliant response after Rory McIlroy congratulates him on BMW PGA win
Sharing an old pic of them together, the Dubliner wrote: "This one’s for the good guys. Well done @shanelowrygolf."
Lowry had used those very words in his emotional post-round victory as he chided the LIV Golf players among the field.
The tournament had featured 18 players from the Saudi-backed series – American Talor Gooch was their top finisher in fourth – and Lowry had said at the start of the week that he “can’t stand” them being in the field.
“I made no secret how I feel about the whole thing,” Lowry said. “I wanted to win for myself first and foremost, but or everyone that has stayed loyal to this Tour I really feel this is one for the good guys.”
Lowry, who had finished runner-up to Rory McIlroy at Wentworth in 2014, added: “It means a lot.
“It’s been a good year, but felt like I’ve been close a few times and only a few tournaments left this season and I really wanted to win one and this was top of the list."
On this occasion the roles were reversed as it was McIlroy who was pipped into a tie for second-place alongside another Ryder Cup teammate in Jon Rahm.
Lowry continued: “I’m so happy. I can’t put into words how happy I am, how much I love this tour, this tournament. I’m the happiest man in the world right now.
“I got to 16 and was trying to get past that but had to worry about Rory behind me, he could do anything the last few holes how good he is. I just tried my best to hit shots, I told my coach I need to allow myself to play golf. I’m playing the best golf of my life and I did that.”
While disappointed, McIlroy was pleased to see his close pal get over the line.
After recording a final round of 67, he said: “I’m okay. I think Shane winning softens the blow.
“If it had been someone else, I might not have felt as comfortable with it as I am. Seeing a friend win is always great and I am really happy for him.
“I struggled today. I didn’t hit my irons very well. I was sort of scrambling a lot but I got the most out of my round.
“I wish I had made a four on 17, but, apart from that, I dug in there and did what I needed to do to give myself a chance going down 18 and that’s all you can ask for.”
There was also a lovely embrace between the pair with TV microphones picking up Lowry joking 'you've won enough.'
READ NEXT:
Shane Lowry gives 'morning after the night before' update following BMW PGA Championship win
Padraig Harrington wins his third PGA Tour Champions tournament of the year in St Louis
John Kavanagh tells UFC 'all is forgiven' after being thrown out of arena
Jack Byrne 'looked back to himself' in Finn Harps rout says Stephen Bradley
David Egan pays touching tribute to Jack de Bromhead after first Classic victory in St Leger
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
