THE ELDERLY man who went viral for incredible footage showing him fighting off multiple armed robbers at a betting shop has passed away.
Denis O'Connor became a worldwide viral hit in 2018 when CCTV footage emerged of him heroically fighting off three armed robbers who entered the betting shop brandishing weapons.
In the footage, Mr O'Connor can be seen in a Bar One bookie's in Glenmire, Co Cork, when three hooded youths enter brandishing weapons, including what appears to be a shotgun, and ordering a staff member to open the till.
While others dive out of the way or run to safety, Mr O'Connor instead squares up to the thugs, grappling with them, barrelling towards them with a chair and eventually chasing them back out of the shop-- while also giving one would-be-robber a swift kick up the backside for good measure.
He was 83 years old at the time.
The great-grandfather was praised as a hero for his bravery and decisive action and remained a local celebrity in the town of Glenmire.
Mr O'Connor sadly passed away unexpectedly last weekend, Sunday 10 May, at the age of 84.
He is survived by his wife Teresa, children Mary, John, Elaine, Katrina and Clare, brother John Joe, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
His funeral took place yesterday in Cork, with the burial in his native Kiskeam, and with coronavirus measures still in place it was a private service.
However, RTÉ reports that up to 300 people lined the roads to pay their respects as the hearse passed by to say farewell to a hero.
May he rest in peace.
