An Irish fan in France for the Euro 2016 tournament who did not turn up for his flight has been found safe and well at a Paris railway station.
Lee McLaughlin, 19, from Inishowen, County Donegal, arrived in the French capital on Sunday with his father and another family member, and was due to fly back to Ireland on Tuesday.
The group went to Ireland’s opening match against Sweden at the Stade de France on Monday evening before returning to their hotel in Montmartre a number of hours later.
At some time before midday on Tuesday, Mr McLaughlin is believed to have left the hotel on his own, and was not seen for almost 24 hours.
Garda Superintendent Gerry Delmar said officials and his family found him at Saint-Lazare station.
He told the Press Association: “He was found safe and well. They arranged a meeting with him at a Metro station. He got his phone working and they were able to make contact with him.”
He added: “He’s doing OK.”
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) had appealed to all Republic of Ireland supporters in Paris to assist in the search for him.
FAI chief executive John Delaney was in touch with the McLaughlin family and the FAI also communicated with the Confederation of Republic of Ireland Supporters Clubs.
Family member Rosemarie Fedder wrote on Facebook: “This is our brother Lee, he has been missing in Paris since this morning.
“He was last seen leaving Ibis Paris Montmartre at 12pm. (6/14) He was not answering his phone and it is now off.
“This is very out of character for Lee. His flight home has already departed and he has not shown up to the airport.
“We are all very worried. Please please share my post and if anyone has seen him please contact any of his family ASAP.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs said: “He was found safe and well in Paris. The Department continues to provide consular assistance to Lee and his family.”
The Irish Embassy in Paris tweeted: “Lee McLaughlin has been found safe and well in the last few minutes. Thanks to all.”
It is understood the family will not be doing any interviews.
