The managing director of a restaurant whose post of a mock Ryanair-style bill for the airline's chief executive went viral, said they are hoping Michael O'Leary has seen the funny side.
Lubo Kosturik said the staff of Luvida Restaurant in Navan, Co Meath, have been "blown away" by the reaction the post has received.
The restaurant hit the headlines over the weekend after Mr Kosturik had a bit of craic with the Ryanair boss and decided to create a mock bill, charging Mr O'Leary for extra leg space, priority booth seating and quiet area reservation, to the total tune of almost €38.
Mr O'Leary and his family dined at the restaurant, which is also well known for hosting the stars of US reality show The Real Housewives of New Jersey in recent years.
However, Mr Kosturik has admitted that restaurant manager Marika Chocianowicz decided against handing the Ryanair boss the joke bill but did work up the courage to ask for a photo, which he kindly agreed to.
Originally from Slovakia but living in Ireland for the last 20 years and flying regularly with Ryanair, Mr Kosturik admits that he is a fan of O'Leary and hopes tongue-in-cheek that he doesn't get a solicitor's letter for having the craic.
"I told Marika what to put in playful mock-up bill but, in the end, she decided against handing it to him," he said.
"As a frequent flyer with Ryanair myself, the idea of charging for things like 'priority booth seating' and 'extra legroom' came to mind as a harmless nod to their harmless pricing structure. I couldn't resist the joke, especially as Mr O'Leary had requested a quiet table.
"That said, we have huge admiration for Mr O'Leary as a businessman. He truly revolutionised air travel in Europe, making it accessible and affordable for everyone. One day, kids will be learning about him in school next to names like Henry Ford or Tomas Bata.
"Mr O'Leary was very gracious in his visit and even left the staff a generous tip.
"The post was just a bit of fun and we hope Mr O'Leary sees the funny side and takes it in the light-hearted spirit it was intended. We hope a solicitor's letter doesn't arrive at the door," he laughed.
"We are absolutely blown away by the response online to the post. It seems to have been shared everywhere."
