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Manager at Sean Quinn's former firm says family 'still in shock' after arson attack

Sean Quinn
Sean Quinn Sean Quinn

A MANAGER at businessman Sean Quinn's former firm has said he and his family are "still in shock" after being targeted in an arson attack.

Dara O'Reilly's car was set alight outside his home in Butlersbridge, Co Cavan, as he and his young family slept inside the property.

It is thought to be the second arson attack on staff at Quinn Industrial Holdings (QIH) in as many months.

QIH said the incident follows a campaign of threats and intimidation against senior management by people who have sought the return of Mr Quinn to the company.

Mr Quinn, who was once Ireland's richest man, was declared bankrupt in 2012. He has repeatedly condemned attacks on his former businesses.

The latest incident happened at 11pm on Wednesday. It is believed petrol was used to set fire to the car, which was parked below a bedroom window.

Mr O'Reilly, chief financial officer at QIH, said: "My family and I are still in shock, but our overriding emotion is one of relief that we all managed to get out safely and of appreciation to the emergency services whose speed of response saved our home."

Adrian Barden, chairman of QIH, branded it a "shocking attack on Mr O'Reilly's family and on a peaceful and hardworking community".

"We have previously warned that a continuation of these attacks will result in injuries or fatalities and we call on those with influence or knowledge of those engaged in these criminal actions to speak out," he said.