Hi °C | Lo °C THE brave homeless man who dived into the Liffey to save his drowning pet rabbit said he would do it all over again.
Our pictures show animal lover John Byrne (38), from Ballyfermot, with his now famous pet rabbit Barney and dog Lilly.
The Herald revealed on Monday how John jumped off O'Connell Bridge after a passer-by flung his rabbit into the water.
Around 200 people watched as John struggled to save his pet from being swept away, dramatically clinging onto a nearby ledge.
After spending 40 minutes waiting to be rescued by emergency services, John revived Barney by giving him the kiss of life.
An 18-year-old man will appear in Dublin District Court on July 21 charged with cruelty to animals as well as being abusive to gardai at the scene on Sunday night.
John, who has been living on the streets since he was 14 years of age, was in tears as he told the Herald today that he would do the same again due to his love for animals.
"Barney and Lilly my dog are my babies. I'd do the whole thing again if it happened. .
"If the person that threw Barney in can do that to an animal, think of what he could do to children?"
And the Herald can reveal that the owner of an animal farm in Tipperary was so impressed by John's heroic efforts that he has offered him a full-time job.
The man, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "John showed such compassion in what he did. He conveyed all the ingredients of someone who is ideal at working with animals.
"We'd love to have him working for us down on our farm and we intend to meet him in Dublin."
When told about the job offer, John said that he was "shocked" and "grateful" for the offer.
John admitted that he has been treated like a celebrity since the Herald broke the story but that he is grateful for the public's support.
"I got some cheers when I rescued Barney and loads of people have been coming up to meet me and my pets. These animals mean everything to me.
hnews@herald.ie
