A well known peace activist was detained at Shannon Airport early today after he attempted to reach and search a US military plane.
Former Irish Army commandant Dr Edward Horgan was boarding an Aer Lingus flight to London when he saw four United States Air Force C-130 Hercules transport planes parked on a taxiway.
At around 8.15am, Dr Horgan broke away from other passengers who were boarding the same flight and he attempted to cross a live ramp and aircraft taxiing area to reach the planes.
He was stopped by an airport worker and escorted to the terminal building where he was met by airport police officers and gardaí.
Following his released, Dr Horgan said: “I have no doubt there were weapons on board these planes and it’s very unusual to see four of the craft at the airport at one time.”
A Shannon Airport spokesman said: “Shannon Airport can confirm that a man was detained after diverting from the Heathrow aircraft he was due to board.”
“A member of airport staff swiftly apprehended the man as he strayed from the designated approach to the aircraft steps. He was handed over to An Garda Síochána. The flight departed on schedule,” the spokesman added.