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Great-grandfather fights off armed robbers

IRELAND — An 85-year-old great-grandfather who tackled would-be robbers wielding a sawed-off shotgun and hammers has become an internet hit.

Denis O'Connor was at a sports betting office in southern Ireland over the weekend when three robbers burst through the door.

One jumped the counter and threatened the manager. Another pointed a shotgun at O'Connor. Security camera footage shows O'Connor refusing to back down.

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The three robbers burst into the office demanding the contents of the safe. As the manager tackled one man who threatened him with a hammer, O'Connor grappled with another of the masked men and shoved him out from behind the counter.

The robber then fled. O'Connor chased after a second man who ran off.

It was all over in about 30 seconds, but the video has been shared hundreds of thousands of times on the internet. The manager said that he would be forever grateful for O'Connor's help in foiling the robbery.

"I owe Denis a huge debt of gratitude it was an incredible act of bravery from him," said Tim Murphy.

Irish police have been searching security camera footage in a bid to catch the men.