Listen to McGinley's winning putt

Ireland's Paul McGinley is the toast of European golf after securing the decisive half point that regained the Ryder Cup.

McGinley trailed America's Jim Furyk from the second hole onwards and seemed an unlikely candidate for the starring role.

Furyk, hitherto unbeaten in Ryder Cup singles matches, appeared to have the full point in his pocket as he led by one with two to play.

But a birdie four for McGinley at 17 pulled things level and the stage was set for a dramatic conclusion at 18.

At that point, everyone out on the Brabazon course realised McGinley had Europe's destiny in his hands.

Both approaches were wayward as Furyk found a greenside bunker and McGinley pulled his iron shot to the left hand rough.

Furyk went desperately close to holing out from the sand but was guaranteed to make four, with McGinley still a worrying 10 feet from the flag after his chip up.

But McGinley rolled the putt home to kickstart great scenes of European jubilation around the 18th green.

McGinley broke through the hugs and congratulations to say: "I'm just so happy for Sam Torrance... he's just the most majestic captain."

Torrance's father Bob, who coaches McGinley, was among those on hand to drag him back into the celebrating masses.

Before the Cup was handed over, a delirious McGinley threw himself into the lake at the 18th green and draped an Irish tricolour around his soaking shoulders.

Watch a round-up of the final day's action