RORY MCILROY ended his six-month winless run and finally bagged the Irish Open after a breathtaking final-hole eagle.
The tournament host saw off the challenge of Scot Russell Knox with a barnstorming birdie-par-eagle finish for a three-shot triumph and first professional win on Irish soil.
It meant so much to him that the world No 3 admitted he had to stop the waterworks on the final green after an emotional triumph in front of family and friends at the K Club.
McIlroy said: “I don’t know if I can put into words what this win means.
“As you’ve seen I don’t really get emotional when I win but I was trying to hold back the tears on the 18th green.
“Looking up and seeing friends and family and to do this in front of them – I don’t get the chance often – to finish like that is something I’ll never forget.”
McIlroy – who has missed the cut the past three times in this event – took a three shot lead into the final round but was one behind Knox standing on the 16th tee.
Then the four-time Major champion unleashed a booming drive up the par-five and a laser five-wood that landed in the heart of the green to roars of support.
The Northern Irishman missed the eagle putt but a tap-in birdie restored his advantage after Knox three-putted for a bogey.
McIlroy then stuffed a short iron to eight foot on the par-four 17th but could not convert as Knox had to settle for a par.
But the Race to Dubai champion turned on the style on the final hole, ripping a five-wood from 253 yards to three feet to finish at 12-under.
The Northern Irishman missed the eagle putt but a tap-in birdie restored his advantage after Knox three-putted for a bogey.
McIlroy then stuffed a short iron to eight foot on the par-four 17th but could not convert as Knox had to settle for a par.
But the Race to Dubai champion turned on the style on the final hole, ripping a five-wood from 253 yards to three feet to finish at 12-under.