'It's unbelievable' - Shane Lowry 'very grateful' to be selected for third Ryder Cup

Shane Lowry says he is 'very grateful' to have been selected for his third Ryder Cup after captain Luke Donald announced his six picks on Monday. 

After narrowly missing out on automatic selection, Shane is now all set for this third Ryder Cup and his second in America after being named as the first of the captain's picks. 

The other picks made by captain Luke Donald were John Rahm, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg and Matt Fitzpatrick.

Speaking on Sky Sports from the K-Club where he will play in the Irish Open this week, Shane said he was very grateful for the pick and was hoping to repay it when the European team hit the course on September 26.

"It's unbelievable. It's been a stressful few weeks. It's been a stressful year trying to make the team and obviously I'm very grateful that Luke and his team have put their faith in me again this time and hopefully I can repay them by producing the goods in Bethpage in a few weeks time."

When asked what it meant to play for Europe in the Ryder Cup, Shane said, "I honestly think that when I get up every morning, one of my main goals is working towards whatever Ryder Cup is next. Bethpage is very close around the corner and I put a lot of work into it this year. I feel like it's been at the forefront of my mind for a long time and I'm very excited for the next few weeks.

When asked what he was expecting from this Ryder Cup in America compared to the last one, Shane pointed to the European fans and what they would bring. 

"Whistling Straits was a bit different because there were no European fans at all. I know there won't be as many European fans as there will be Americans this time but there will still be a few and I'd imagine the few that come will bring their support. There's been a lot of talk about what it's going to be like at Bethpage but if there's one thing I know for sure, Luke Donald and his team will have us ready to go when it comes to that Friday morning. I'm excited to get to work with everyone behind the scenes and just really excited for the next few weeks."

Also speaking on Sky Sports, European captain Luke Donald was full of praise for what Shane brings to the team.

"Shane was very close to making it automatically, he only missed out by four points, but I think we can see what Shane brings to a Ryder Cup. His infectious energy amongst the team. He understands team above everything else more than most of the guys. It's really great to have his energy and his vibe in the team room but one hell of a player as well."

The Ryder Cup gets underway on Friday, September 26 at Bethpage Golf Club. 

The full European team is Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Rasmus Højgaard, Tyrrell Hatton, Shane Lowry, John Rahm, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg and Matt Fitzpatrick.