As One Direction fans will doubtless know, band member Niall Horan has copped some flack for a remark he made towards fans who were waiting to catch a glimpse of him at Dublin Airport…

Teenaged 1D fan Alannah Gough captured Niall on video via her mobile phone as he walked through the airport, saying, “Remember the last time I walked down here? You shower of c****.”

However, somewhat bizarrely – because I have no clue what he meant by that ‘last time’ thing; do you?? – he then did as Alannah and her friends asked and said, “Happy birthday” while giving a thumbs up sign.

Alannah posted the clip on YouTube with the comment, “We didn’t mobb him, he callled us showers of c**** as BANTER…”

The clip of course had thousands upon thousands of hits within hours, but meanwhile, Niall apologised for what he’d said.

On Twitter, he wrote, “Really sorry if I caused any offence. It was just banter with fans who I think of more as mates.

“But I understand it’s not a word I should be using at all.”

However, Alannah replied to his apology with one of her own, saying, “We’re so sorry for getting you in trouble.”

And last night, while speaking to the Sun, Alannah was asked what personal message she would send to Niall over the fracas, and she replied, “Thanks for stopping to talk to us, we love you.

“See you soon. And if you want to give us backstage passes, it’s OK with us!”

Here’s Alannah’s clip…