Man refused passport but office cashed cheque

A LIMERICK bachelor, who describes himself as a recluse, is a prisoner in his own country due to a passport refusal.

Gerard McCarthy, aged 52, of Cullen, said he only leaves his home for two hours a week to do hi shopping.

He said: “I have lived the life of a recluse since I gave up drink over two years ago. I am not an alcoholic as I gave it up like that. I decided to give myself a treat and visit relatives in New York now that I have the money.