Richard O’Halloran has finally reunited with family in Ireland after being stuck in China for three years.
The dad-of-four arrived home to wife Tara and his children Ben, Amber, Isabella and Scarlett.
The businessman was prevented from leaving China in February 2019 when he travelled to Shanghai to resolve an ongoing commercial and legal issue.
This morning, Tara O’Halloran tweeted a family picture with the caption: “Thank you everyone for all your support. We are so unbelievably happy to have him back…”
The Foxrock man released a statement this morning thanking everyone for helping him.
He said: “This generosity of spirit can never be repaid.
“On my arrival back to Ireland, I am making this statement in response to the overwhelming positive number of messages received by my family and myself, since it became apparent yesterday that my exit ban was lifted, and I was free to leave China.
“This is a day of great happiness and emotion.”
He thanked a number of people including friends and family. He also thanked Simon Coveney, Michael D. Higgins, Charlie Flanagan, Peadar Toibin, Eoin O Broin, Cathal Berry, and Cormac Devlin.
He also paid tribute to Senator Michael McDowell, Senator Gerard Craughwell, Senator Barry Ward, Barry Andrews, Sean Kelly, Frances Fitzgerald and Councillor Hazel Chu.
He added: “I would like to acknowledge the kindness of the people in China who looked after me when I was unwell and also note the support of Consular officials Wendy Dorman-Smith and Alison Meagher.
“I would like to sincerely thank the media in Ireland and overseas, for all the interest and support shown to Tara, my family and myself since 2019.
“Finally, and most importantly, my own family; Ben, Amber, Isabella, Scarlett and especially my wife Tara. This has been an incredible challenge for them too and they endured many dark days.
“But they were always a beacon of light and hope for me and the hundreds of Messenger calls we had helped me to remain positive.
“Tara was an incredible tower of strength and kept the show on the road.
"I am home with them now and we are all looking forward to getting to know each other again and doing normal everyday family things.
“Once again, my sincere heartfelt thanks to everybody.”
To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up for our free newsletter.
