The family of Mr Aidan Leahy were said to be "overjoyed" last night after hearing that his month-long captivity by bandits in Iran was over. "They're very, very happy," a Red Cross spokeswoman said, speaking on the family's behalf.
"It's been a very tough Christmas for them, and a very worrying time. But they're over the moon about his release and looking forward to being with him again."
Mr Leahy, who lives in London, was said to be travelling to Tehran last night, along with two Germans who were kidnapped with him on December 2nd. He will be met this morning by Ireland's ambassador to Iran, Mr Thomas Bolster, before making arrangements to fly home.
The circumstances surrounding the trio's release - announced on State television by Iran's Foreign Minister, Mr Kamal Kharazi - were unclear. But Iran had said it would not pay the €5 million ransom demanded. Mr Kharazi declared the men were in good health.
The Iranian Embassy in Dublin - where staff were continuing to work yesterday on the aftermath of last week's earthquake - expressed "delight" at the development, but said it was unclear whether the disaster had been a factor in their release. The chairman of the Irish Red Cross, Mr David Andrews - who had made representations in the case - praised the Iranian authorities and the Department of Foreign Affairs for their work in securing the men's release, and also urged the public to help the earthquake relief effort.
Mr Leahy and his companions - Mr David Storm and Mr Oliver Brug - were cycling in the Baluchistan va Sistan province when they were detained. The area is a notorious transit route for drug traffickers from Afghanistan, but also attracts backpackers heading overland to Pakistan.
