5,000 people rally in Cavan to back Quinns

Bankrupt billionaire Seán Quinn was close to tears yesterday as more than 5,000 people came out in support in his hometown.

With the threat of jail hanging over his head, the ex-tycoon looked tired as he was flanked by family and friends during the rally in Ballyconnell, Co Cavan.

He will be back before the High Court on Friday, where he faces a possible prison sentence for his role in an alleged asset stripping plot that put up to €500m beyond the reach of the former Anglo Irish Bank.