'Scary times’: Limerick-based couple on honeymoon describe ‘missile and drone interceptions’ in Dubai

WELL-KNOWN Limerick-based couple Valerie Wheeler and Gavin Young, who are currently on honeymoon in Dubai, have described the “scary last 24 hours”.

Fear of all-out war grows in the Middle East this Sunday as Iran’s supreme leader was killed in airstrikes. It has been confirmed that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead, described as a seismic development in a conflict that has spread to half a dozen countries across the Middle East.

Two of many Irish people caught up in the conflict and associated flight disruption are honeymooning Valerie and Gavin. 

The TV and radio presenter, and golf instructor and coach, have shared on Instagram their experiences from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is the last leg of their honeymoon, having also enjoyed holidaying in the Maldives.

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Valerie, of SPINSouthwest and RTE, said “we are still in Dubai”. 

“Thanks for all the messages. Scary times here. Fingers crossed for us all to return home safe soon,” wrote Valerie, whose dad Ken runs Prestige Menswear in Charleville.

Gavin, head PGA teaching professional  at Ballyneety Driving Range said “thankfully we’re safe and okay in Dubai, while everything going on around us is happening”.

“Scary last 24 hours I won’t lie, but we can’t thank our hotel staff and the UAE authorities enough for how they’re protecting us and treating us while it’s all going on. The missile and drone interceptions by loud bangs have been frightening but we’ll get through it and be home sometime soon,” said Gavin, who added their flight home on Monday has been cancelled.

Despite what he and Valerie are going though, he is worried about missing planned coaching sessions with golfers on Tuesday and apologises.

Around a dozen flights to and from the Middle East at Dublin Airport have been cancelled on Sunday.

The Embassy of Ireland in Abu Dhabi continues to closely monitor regional developments and advises all Irish citizens resident in the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait to register them and their families on our Citizen’s Register at https://citizensregistration.dfa.ie/