John praised for rabbit rescue

A HOMELESS man who risked his life to save his pet rabbit from drowning was presented with a “compassionate citizen award” by an animal rights group yesterday.

John Byrne, 38, originally from Ballyfermot, Dublin, dived into the Liffey from O’Connell Bridge after a youth flung his rabbit, Barney, into the water.

Hundreds of people watched as he clung to a ledge and saved his pet from being swept down river last Sunday week.