We all make mistakes — losing your keys, missing a flight, or maybe forgetting your bag at the airport. But one Cork teenager took things to an entirely new level when he attempted to board a flight to the United States using his friend’s passport… because, in his own words, he “looked a bit like him.”
No, you’re not reading a sketch from Derry Girls — this actually happened.
✈️ The Bold (and Baffling) Plan
19-year-old Aaron O’Brien from Fair Hill, Cork, ended up before Ennis District Court after trying to pass through US Border Control at Shannon Airport with a passport that wasn’t his.
He’d already been stopped once at Dublin Airport, but instead of calling it quits, Aaron decided to double down. He headed for Shannon and tried again — this time using the passport of a mate who he reckoned had a similar enough mug.
Spoiler: he didn’t get very far.
🧑⚖️ “This is not the Hutches or the Kinahans…”
Judge Alec Gabbett, clearly amused by the whole affair, opted not to impose jail time. Instead, Aaron received 80 hours of community service in lieu of a four-month prison sentence.
Even his solicitor jumped in to clarify, saying:
“This is not the Hutches or the Kinahans going in and out of Iraq and Iran.”
We suppose that’s what you call context.
🛂 The Offence and The Lesson
Aaron pleaded guilty to possessing a false instrument — namely, a passport in someone else’s name (Jordan White). His solicitor admitted he “didn’t have a hope in hell” of getting away with it.
Let that be a lesson to all of us: you can blag your way through a pub quiz — but not through US Customs.
😂 The Craic Doesn’t Stop There…
If you enjoyed this bit of Irish madness, you’ll love this related tale:
👉 Lost in Cork – The Irishman Who Misplaced His Car for Three Weeks After a Stag
Another Irish gent, another head-scratcher of a story. It’s our most-read post of the month — and no wonder!
📣 Irish Quote of the Week
“May you always tell the truth — but never try it at passport control.”
A Quick Travel Reminder (from Irish Mammy)
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Passport ✅
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Flight ticket ✅
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Your own face ✅
Final Thoughts
Aaron’s case might be closed, but his story is bound to live on in Irish pubs, WhatsApp chats, and “You won’t believe this…” conversations for years to come.
We’ll say this: He gave it a lash.
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And don’t forget to share this story with a friend who might “look a bit like you.”