A plucky Co Cork pensioner has been hailed a hero after fighting off armed raiders who tried to rob his local bookies.
The incident took place on Saturday evening at Bar One Racing bookmakers in Glanmire.
CCTV footage of octogenarian great-grandfather Denis O'Connor taking on the hammer-wielding robbers was viewed by thousands after it was posted online. His brave intervention has made headlines across the world.
The footage shows two of the raiders jumping the counter and attack shop manager Tim Murphy, while a third man carrying what appears to be a shotgun held up the customers.
However, while two of the customers did not resist the robbery, Mr O'Connor (84) went to the aid of the bookies' manager and fought the raiders head on.
He has modestly insisted he only did what anyone would do in fearlessly tackling the raiders.
"I didn't really think about it - I just went for it," he said.
All three raiders are believed to be in their late teens or 20s. However, it is unclear if the shotgun was a real firearm or just a plastic imitation.
Friends of Mr O'Connor – who will celebrate his 85th birthday in November – said his courageous act "was typical of him".
"He wouldn't stand by while anyone was in trouble - he's an absolute gentleman. It was typical of him," one local said.
Gardaí have appealed for anyone who saw a black saloon vehicle, either an Audi A4 or VW Passat, in the area at the time to contact them.
