Rush hour commuters were in a flap last night as a swan brought traffic to a standstill in Dublin's city centre.
Motorists on Lower Baggot Street had to slam on their brakes as a young swan, keen on spreading its wings, wandered from the Grand Canal.
An eagle eyed passer-by swooped into action, saving the plucky cygnet before it ruffled too many feathers.
Snatching a tablecloth from a nearby pub table, Martin Malone from Lucan scooped up the bird and carried it back to safety.
Up to 30 drivers abandoned their vehicles to try and help.
Witnesses said the small bird was exhausted and thirsty after its ordeal, which happened around 5pm.
"The swan got very excited as it was carried back to the canal, it must have known it was going home," said one driver.
"No one seemed to mind the traffic jam, we were all concerned for the bird. Things like that don't happen every day as you drive home."
