A 44-year-old man has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison for setting fire to two cars and a house while the owners were asleep. Seán Byrne, residing on Cushlawn Way in Tallaght, was intoxicated during the incident and claimed he could not remember the events of that night. He pleaded guilty to the charges at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

On the night of October 20, 2023, gardaí responded to a report of a car ablaze in a driveway located in Tyrconnell, Inchicore around 03:15. The owner, awakened by a loud bang, discovered his vehicle engulfed in flames. Surveillance footage from a nearby property captured Byrne entering and exiting the vehicle before it caught fire. According to the court, Byrne was seen in the video for only a few seconds prior to the ignition, leaving unclear how the fire started.

As the fire spread, a second car also ignited, and the front of the house suffered heat damage from the flames. The vehicles belonged to a couple residing in the home, both of which were declared total losses. Their insurance covered over €21,000 in damages to the property.

Byrne was later located by gardaí and appeared highly intoxicated, providing a false name at that time. Investigators seized two backpacks and a bicycle that he was seen using in the surveillance footage. Once sober, Byrne reportedly exhibited a more agreeable demeanor, with his condition having significantly improved since the incident.

His defense attorney, John Griffin BL, stated that Byrne had no recollection of the event, emphasizing that the incident lacked any planning or sophistication. Griffin remarked, “It was a matter that went wrong. It could have gone much more wrong.” The attorney also noted Byrne’s long history of drug and alcohol abuse, which has led to numerous previous convictions, exceeding 70.

Griffin explained that Byrne had resorted to stealing food to support a heroin addiction, spending much of his life in and out of prison. “He does very well in prison. He comes out a very fresh, healthy man,” said Griffin, highlighting Byrne’s decision to enter custody voluntarily to seek rehabilitation.

Judge Orla Crowe called the case unusual due to the absence of any accelerant used in the fires. She sentenced Byrne to four and a half years but suspended the final nine months for a period of two years, contingent upon his engagement with the probation service upon release. “Thankfully nobody was hurt, be it because the people were alert or thanks to the fire brigade,” Judge Crowe remarked in her summation.

Byrne’s case underscores the serious consequences of intoxicated behavior and the potential dangers that can arise from such actions.

UPDATE: The term “airport dad” is surging in popularity on social media as families share clips showcasing this unique travel role. Just yesterday, Niamh O’Reilly highlighted the essential traits that define the ‘airport dad’ in her latest article, sparking widespread discussions online.

These ‘airport dads’ are characterized by their meticulous planning, often seen lining up suitcases by the door the night before a trip and arriving at the airport hours early—typically before check-in even opens. Their vigilance extends to checking and rechecking travel documents, ensuring that crucial items like passports remain safe and sound. This phenomenon resonates with many, as the role of the ‘airport dad’ transcends traditional family structures; anyone, regardless of gender or relation, can embody this role.

Why does this matter right now? With the holiday travel season approaching, families are gearing up for trips, and understanding the dynamics of travel preparation is more relevant than ever. The trending clips are not just humorous; they reflect the emotional weight and responsibilities tied to travel, resonating with parents and travelers alike.

In an era where travel can often feel chaotic, the concept of the ‘airport dad’ serves as a light-hearted reminder of the importance of preparation and organization. Social media users are encouraged to share their own ‘airport dad’ moments, further fueling this viral trend.

As the conversation grows, expect more families to embrace this playful yet significant role in their travel routines. The next time you head to the airport, think about who takes on the ‘airport dad’ duties in your group—it might just inspire a new travel tradition.

Stay tuned for more updates as this trend continues to develop across various social media platforms.

BREAKING: Virgin Media star Brian Dowling has revealed an emotional moment from his past, detailing how he came out as gay while competing on Big Brother in July 2001. This revelation comes as Dowling joins the Loose Women panel to share his heartfelt experiences, captivating audiences across Ireland and the UK.

During the segment, Dowling opened up about the fears he faced before revealing his sexuality to his parents, admitting that it was actually his sister who broke the news to them. “I was afraid to tell them in case they had a bad reaction,” he explained, highlighting the pressure he felt at the time.

Reflecting on his journey, Dowling recalled the moment he won Big Brother after 64 days in the house. He shared the joy of finally embracing his mother as his true self. “I just couldn’t wait to get to the end,” he said, emphasizing the significance of that first hug. “I embraced her then, kind of the first time as my authentic self, as her gay son.”

The impact of Dowling’s story resonated deeply with fans, sparking an outpouring of support on social media. The official Loose Women Instagram account shared a clip of his emotional recounting, prompting comments from friends and followers alike. His husband, Arthur Gourounlian, expressed pride in his partner, stating, “So proud.”

Dowling’s candid discussion serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly during times when societal acceptance was not as prevalent. His journey, from fear to acceptance, illustrates the importance of family support and authenticity.

As fans continue to celebrate Dowling’s legacy from Big Brother, many are inspired by his courage. One fan commented, “Such an inspiration – back then and now.” Another added, “He’s so genuine, a lovely guy.” These sentiments highlight the significant emotional impact Dowling has on his audience.

This recent revelation not only sheds light on Dowling’s personal journey but also reinforces the ongoing conversation about LGBTQ+ acceptance in society. As the world changes, stories like Brian’s contribute to a more inclusive future.

Stay tuned for more updates on Brian Dowling and his inspiring story. His openness continues to resonate, reminding everyone of the power of authenticity and love.

BREAKING: Fans of the beloved Cleaver East restaurant in Dublin are heartbroken following the shocking announcement of its closure after 12 years of service. The popular dining spot, located in Temple Bar, will serve its last meals on August 3, 2025.

The closure comes amid the impending renovation of The Clarence Hotel, the very establishment housing Cleaver East. In an emotional social media post, restaurant bosses expressed their gratitude to customers and staff, inviting them to join for a final celebration.

Owner Oliver Dunne shared a heartfelt message, thanking patrons for their loyalty and support over the years. “After 12 happy and memorable years in Temple Bar, Cleaver East will close its doors for the final time on Sunday, August 3, 2025,” he stated. Dunne reassured that all staff would be retained within the existing Oliver Dunne Restaurant Group, ensuring no jobs are lost.

The restaurant has been a pioneer in Dublin’s dining scene, introducing unique concepts like the first small plate restaurant and the now-iconic Bottomless Brunch. Dunne highlighted the contributions of the staff, stating, “You’ve been the heart and soul of Cleaver East,” while ensuring all employees would continue their journey within the restaurant group.

As the news spread, fans expressed their devastation, with comments flooding in, such as “Oh noooo” and “So sorry to hear this, such a lovely place.” Many shared fond memories, highlighting the restaurant’s lasting impact on the Dublin dining community.

Cleaver East will remain open for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday and will continue its popular Bottomless Brunch until the final day. The team encourages everyone to come together for one last toast to celebrate what has been a “wild ride” over the past decade.

Dunne concluded his announcement with a heartfelt thank you, inviting patrons to enjoy the final weeks and create lasting memories at the iconic eatery. Fans are urged to visit before the doors close for the last time, ensuring that the spirit of Cleaver East continues to thrive within the Dublin community.