O'Brien loses his sparkle

HE was once one of Dublin's most sharp-suited businessmen -- but nowadays Breifne O'Brien cuts a different figure.

The self-confessed pyramid schemer (inset) reappeared over the weekend to attend Ireland's send-off game for the Euro 2012 championships.

But it was a very different Breifne to the one who used to boast a glamorous wife, beautiful home, a string of properties and an Aston Martin.

Looking less tanned than ever in the May sunshine, he wore white shorts, a T-shirt and a dark zip jacket, along with a colourful jumper around his neck. The socialite businessman admitted to investors in 2008 that he had duped friends by up to €16m.