Lowry Claims Dream Win in Portugal

WHILE Clara's senior footballers were suffering disappointment in the county decider last Sunday, Shane Lowry was doing the town proud on the international stage, as the 25 year-old claimed success at the Portugal Masters in Villamoura. The 2009 Irish Open winner won the competition by a single stroke, from England's Ross Fisher, to take home a substantial cheque of €375,000. Lowry is now aiming to break into the American scene via their qualifying school. Lowry was one ahead after adding birdies at the 15th and 17th, but had prepared himself for a play-off after driving into sand and bogeying the last for a 66 and 14 under-par round. He had also been three behind at the turn, and when Fisher, a former Ryder Cup player, missed a couple of putts on the last, Lowry was crowned champion. "I can't believe this," Lowry said after the event. "I can't explain how I feel. It's a dream come true - I'm over the moon," added the Offaly man.