A former member of the board that oversees Omaha's Qwest Center has been sentenced to two-and-a-half to six years in prison for fifth-offense driving under the influence.

As part of his sentencing Monday in Sarpy County Court, Kevin Irish also was fined $2,000 and had his driver's license suspended for 15 years.

Irish was arrested in November 2008 for drunken driving, refusal to take a Breathalyzer test and flight to avoid arrest. A judge dismissed the flight to avoid arrest charge because it lacked evidence.

Irish, who served on the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority in 2002-03, will be eligible for parole in 15 months.