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GANGLAND thug Jason ‘Pigeon’ O’Connor is under investigation by prison chiefs over a posting on social media from behind bars.

A number of images were uploaded on the hot-headed thug’s story on his Facebook page on Wednesday, leading to suspicion that he may have access to a smartphone.

He updated his profile pic and replied to well-wishers saying: “All good thanks lads.”

In another, he told one pal: “All ok mate be in touch soon.”

The snaps posted were from before his return to jail.

O’Connor is caged in Mountjoy prison serving an 11-year sentence for attempted murder and working for the Kinahan cartel in five separate “operations.”

Although he has been staying out of trouble there, he will now be subject to searches after the emergence of the social media posts.

But sources say that it comes as a surprise given his good behaviour after being locked up again.

One said: “Prison authorities were made aware of the social media posts and are examining them.

“There is a huge problem with contraband at the moment not only in Mountjoy but around the whole prison system.

“But it is out of step with the way O’Connor has been behaving since he’s returned back to Mountjoy.”

O’Connor is housed on C3 and does not mix or get involved with any of his rivals.

Another source explained: “He stays out of trouble and doesn’t want to be mixed up in anything.”

Notorious criminal O’Connor – who has over 70 previous convictions, including for the possession of a phone in jail – has been back in Mountjoy since August 2023.

Earlier this year, he admitted to conspiring to kill Charlie Cooper on December 5, 2016 and facilitating a criminal organisation – named in court as the Kinahan Organised Crime Group – to murder.

Investigator’s nailed O’Connor for his crimes after an encrypted Blackberry phone seized eight years ago was cracked following new technology developments which revealed his interactions with associates.

In one of the Kinahan operations, his texts revealed communication with a man named only as ‘Associate A’.

‘HE’S GOING DOWN’

O’Connor and this associate discussed shooting a person at an unnamed location.

O’Connor said there was “nowhere to park or watch” while ‘Associate A’ text back saying it was a “suicide mission down there” and the only way was do it it at “the gaff”.

In another exchange, ‘Associate A’ wrote how a tracker was put on the wrong motor.

Ruthless O’Connor said: “I won’t get it wrong, clean head shot, no mistakes, he’s going down.”

Yesterday, the Irish Prison Service said it does not comment on individual prisoners or specific operational or security matters.

But a spokesman explained that it is working with the Gardai as part of ‘Operation Throwover’, which targets contraband being lobbed into prisons.

He added: “Prison staff have increased the use of random and intelligence led cell searches on a daily basis. Our Canine Unit carry out searches around the prisons, including a greater focus on searching deliveries into prisons.”

HOW many of us have been at a Christmas party and wished we had a hotel nearby to carry on the craic?

With the festive season coming into view, it’s a wee treat to consider the options available if you want to avoid the hassle of leaving the fun early.

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PR Handout

While the Irish Sun offices are based in Dublin, many of our staff live across the country, so when we had a recent party, two colleagues made their way from Belfast and Wicklow to celebrate.

Instead of spending the night worrying about making the train home, CHRIS CAIRNS and AISLING KAVANAGH decided to check out some of the city centre hotels.

Here’s how they got on . . . 

AISLING’S STAY IN THE CROKE PARK HOTEL

I live in Wicklow, so travelling to Dublin is easy enough, but when a party is on with my new work colleagues, I want to be able to enjoy it fully.

So I stayed at the Croke Park Hotel, which is part of the luxurious Doyle Collection.

This includes the likes of London’s Marylebone and Bloomsbury hotels, and I was not disappointed.

Any GAA fan will know exactly where it is, across from the stadium itself, an ideal location if your county manages to make it to play there.

I was heading to a party in Dublin city centre that evening, so this hotel’s location was ideal for a night out.

It’s not too far from Dublin’s centre yet just far enough for a peaceful night’s rest after the event without the noise of city.

Our stay included a suite on the fourth floor, which granted us access to the executive lounge.

This private lounge was located just down the hall, and we could pop in at any time to enjoy tea, coffee and other refreshments.

In the morning they serve fresh juices, or a selection of pastries and fruit. I reckon it would be ideal for escaping the mayhem that must take over on game days.

One of the highlights of the stay was dining at the restaurant in the hotel, The Hawthorn.

And our waiter, Alex, offered superb service throughout the meal.

For starters, I opted for the scallops, which, though small, were packed with flavour.

My partner chose a more adventurous dish – compressed watermelon with avocado purée, radish, and feta cheese.

For our mains, we both went with steak. My 8oz striploin arrived perfectly medium rare, accompanied by pepper sauce and chunky chips.

By the time dessert rolled around, we were nearly too full, but couldn’t resist.

I went for the lemon posset, a balanced and refreshing finale to the meal, while my partner opted for the indulgent Croke Park Sundae, complete with peanut butter and vanilla gelato, brownie pieces, and a generous drizzle of chocolate sauce.

After a night out on the town, it was lovely to have a huge breakfast buffet with just about every breakfast you can think of.

There was nothing better than some delicious poached eggs, followed by fluffy pancakes to start the day on the right note.

A great stay for GAA fans or those who just want a good night in the city.

The Croke Park Hotel, in Dublin 3, has rooms starting at €119 per night for two people sharing when you book direct.

CHRIS’ STAY AT THE TRAVELODGE PLUS HOTEL

As Kirstie and Phil have been reminding us now for 24 years, it’s all about Location, Location, Location.

It’s what sprung to mind when I recently stayed at the new Travelodge Plus hotel in Dublin 2 for an overnight stay.

After arriving on the Dublin Express from Belfast, I was dropped off at Custom House Quay and only had a three-minute walk across the river to the 393-bedroom hotel.

It is on Townsend Street, which means the Bord Gáis Theatre, Trinity College and Grafton Street are just a stroll away.

If you are staying over for Christmas shopping, you could get it all done locally and then head to some of the nearby bars, with O’Neill’s and Moss Lane just around the corner.

There’s plenty of friendly staff working to make sure you get checked in quickly and efficiently.

I stayed on the top floor in one of the 150 SuperRooms. All mod cons are provided – from the in-room Lazazza coffee machine and blackout curtains to a 32in Freeview TV and choice of pillows.

With a little time on my hands, I enjoyed a coffee on the outdoor terrace, which is covered and heated, before making my way inside to the modern and chic Mossco Restaurant.

Even though it was only 12.30pm, the restaurant was busy with several tourists and business people enjoying lunch.

There’s everything on the menu from fish, burgers and pizzas to salads and steaks.

I chose the chicken and chorizo tagliatelle and was not disappointed – the food is of a really high standard.

Unfortunately I had to go to work then, otherwise I could have enjoyed a drink in the Mossco Bar.

The hotel’s bar is also working exclusively with Hope Beer – brewed and kegged at Howth Junction on Dublin’s Northside – to provide award-winning craft beers to residents and customers.

The gorgeous artwork and the slick look of the bar made me really want to have more time to stay and try it all out, maybe for the next night out.

‘I’D HIGHLY RECOMMEND CHECKING IT OUT’

The Travelodge Plus Hotel is perfect for business or pleasure.

Key locations such as Trinity College, Dublin Castle, 3Arena and Grafton Street are all within walking distance.

It’s in a perfect location without the sky-high prices.

Next time you’re stopping by in Dublin, I’d highly recommend checking it out.

Prices start from €129 Bed & Breakfast per room per night based on two people sharing in November and December.

I’ll be back for the next party I need to attend in Dublin.

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LYRA is tipped to finally sing for Ireland at next year’s Eurovision after she was fast-tracked to a final shortlist, we can reveal.

Insiders say the Cork star is on the ticket and is guaranteed a slot in the Late Late Eurosong final in early 2025.

Michael Schofield - The Sun Glasgow

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AP:Associated Press

Entries for RTE’s Eurosong competition have closed but the source told The Irish Sun: “RTE needs a big name and Lyra is the dream act they want to send to Eurovision.

“She’s personable and would be great connecting with delegations and giving sound bites to media.

“Her on-stage performances and outfits scream Eurovision. Being so theatrical, she could project to millions. Being used to playing summer festivals, a big stage won’t faze her.”

Lyra, 31, who is dubbed the “Bandon Beyonce”, has previously told how RTE repeatedly asked her to fly the flag for Ireland but she had to turn them down as she was busy with her debut album.

Ruling herself out last year, she said she had no time to commit to this year’s event.

Lyra said: “For me, right now, I have waited three years for my album to come out and I don’t want to get distracted. I feel like I need to give this 110 percent because I have worked so hard.”

Having got her self-titled album to No.1 in the Irish charts, however, she is now able to get behind a massive campaign to return Ireland to Eurovision glory.

According to Lyra’s website, while 2024 was choc-a-bloc with gigs, she has just one concert booked for 2025 on March 28 in Chelmsford.

A source said: “Lyra seems to be clearing the decks for something”.

Speaking previously about the groundswell of people supporting her Eurovision, Lyra said: “It’s pretty cool that people want me to represent Ireland. I am Irish through and through so for fans to ask me to represent Ireland is a real honour.”

RTE Eurovision chiefs believe the singer’s warm personality and likeability will work not just out in Eurovision but back home too.

The source added: “RTE knows Lyra has already had a No.1 record in Ireland so they know the whole of Ireland would get behind Lyra as this country’s Eurovision entry.”

Rival singers and songwriters in the RTE’s Eurosong competition have told The Irish Sun Lyra is the artist to beat if they want to make the Eurovision Song Contest final in Basel, Switzerland, next May.

PANEL DECISION

RTE say all entries will be considered by a panel of music and entertainment industry professionals and/or Eurovision fans selected by RTE.

Lyra, real name Laura McNamara, self-released her debut EP W.I.L.D in 2016.

It was produced by Kate Bush and Coldplay producer Rupert Christie. It garnered such favourable attention that in 2017 she signed with Universal, who released her chart single Falling.

She has spoken about releasing a second album next year but will have plenty of time after Eurovision.

POTENTIAL CAREER BOOST

The insider said: “If Lyra won Eurovision for Ireland it could boost her career right now and turn her into worldwide superstar. We really would have another Beyonce.

While last year several acts called for a Eurovision boycott because Israel was competing, and sniped at Irish entry Bambie Thug, Lyra praised them.

She said at the time: “It was very interesting. It is so ‘out of the box’ for Ireland in the Eurovision. I think it could be the song and I think people will gravitate towards it because it stands out.

“Fair play to Bambie Thug. They are really testing the boundaries. We know Eurovision fans want something to entertain them, grab them and shock them.”

Michael Schofield - The Sun Glasgow

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