Two elderly brothers who had not seen each other for more than 40 years after one emigrated to Australia were seen warmly hugging each other at Dublin Airport.
In heart warming footage, Willie, 90, could be seen being wheeled through arrivals at the airport and then getting out of his wheelchair to embrace his brother Tony.
Willie had set off on a six-week boat journey to Australia in search of work in 1959 and decided to stay there where he went on to start a family.
Last Friday, Dublin Airport shared a video showing Willie along with his daughter Sue reuniting with his beloved brother Tony and his own son John in Terminal 1.
In the clip, Willie gave his brother Tony a big bear hug before they introduced their respective children to each other for the first time.
The airport said it was “an absolute pleasure to be part of this special moment”.
Looking delighted to see one another again, Willie and Tony joked about who was taller and said how wonderful it was to see each other after so many years.
Dublin Airport also said that Willie celebrated his 90th birthday last Monday in Ireland with his family members including brother Tony.
More than 178,000 views have been made of the emotional reunion video posted on Twitter by Dublin Airport.
One person wrote: "This just made my Monday morning, God bless you all Willie and welcome HOME! Happy 90th."
Another said: "Aww that's so lovely. Welcome home Willie."
There were many other similar comments with a person saying they were "bawling" to see the video, writing: "Could you not have given a "Bawlin' Warnin' before tweeting that?! Lovely lovely story! Happy Birthday to you Willie and best wishes to your family. Slainte!"
Another Twitter user said: "Welcome home Willie and Sue."
Dublin Airport had originally tweeted: "Who wants a Feel Good Friday story? In 1959, Willie moved to Australia. He made this journey by boat, which took 6 weeks and he has since built his life in Australia with his family.
"Today Willie, along with his daughter Sue arrived back in Ireland for the first time in 63 years to be reunited with his brother Tony who he hasn’t seen in over 40 years and Tony’s son, John (who he has never met).
"If that wasn’t enough, this Monday, Willie will be celebrating his 90th birthday here at home. Welcome back Willie, it was an absolute pleasure to be part of this special moment."
