Thousands expected at rally in support of Quinn family

Large crowds are expected to turn out in Ballyconnell in Co. Cavan this evening for another rally in support of the bankrupt businessman Sean Quinn and his family.

It is the second event of its kind, after the first attracted up to 4,000 people, including a number of well-known faces, in July.

The rally, which is scheduled to begin at 4pm, is being organised by Concerned Irish Citizens, one of several local lobby groups involved in organising the rally last July.

The group announced last month that up to €2m had been raised in donations from business people and individuals to help Sean Quinn fund his legal action against the former Anglo Irish Bank.

The Quinns are suing the bank, now known as the IBRC, for alleged fraud, claiming that more than €2bn worth of loans given to them by the bank are unlawful because they were used to prop up Anglo's collapsing share price.

Mr Quinn is expected to attend this evening's rally along with other members of his family.

His son Sean Quinn Junior remains in prison after being found in contempt of court.

His nephew Peter Darragh Quinn, who was also charged with contempt of court, remains at large, after failing to turn up at his last High Court hearing.