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Iconic bird of prey to fly centre stage in Killarney

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THE white-tailed sea eagle was once a conspicuous part of the Irish landscape, before it was driven to extinction in the early 20th century by human persecution.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the return of white-tailed eagles to Killarney National Park and the iconic bird of prey will fly centre stage this week.

The last in the very popular Autumn Talks series talks at Killarney House and Gardens takes place this Thursday night, November 9, and Dr Allan Mee, project manager of the White Tailed Eagle Reintroduction Programme, will deliver the lecture.

The programme saw the reintroduction of 100 white-tailed eagles from Norway to Killarney National Park. A total of six white-tailed eagle chicks successfully fledged from five nests in three different counties in 2016, making this the most successful year to date in the long-term reintroduction programme for this iconic bird of prey in Ireland.

Over the past six years white-tailed sea eagles have dispersed throughout Ireland and beyond. Many eagles have been reported from Northern Ireland and at least six birds have travelled to Scotland. The programme was marred and threatened at times from poisoning and shooting of these beautiful birds in the early days.

In 2016 nine white-tailed eagle pairs held territory in Ireland across four counties: Kerry (six pairs), Galway (one), Clare (one) and Cork (one). Eight pairs laid eggs in Kerry (five), Cork (one), Clare (one) and Galway (one). Two breeding “pairs” in Kerry consisted of trios: a male and two females at one site on the Iveragh peninsula, and a female and two males at another site on the Beara peninsula. 13 Irish-bred White-tailed Eagle chicks have fledged to date: two in 2013, one in 2014, four in 2015 and six in 2016.

Dr Mee, project manager at Golden Eagle Trust, monitors the birds and has been tracking the release population since the project began 10 years ago.

Parking is advised at the Beech Road car park.

 


 
Above: A white-tailed sea eagle. Pic: Valerie O'Sullivan

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All eyes down as St Oliver’s hosts bumper bingo fundraiser

It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night. The event, which is being held […]

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It will be All Eyes Down as the saying goes on October 23 as St Oliver’s Primary School hosts a bumper Bingo Fundraiser night.

The event, which is being held to raise additional funds for the school’s Special Classes, will take place in the Killarney Racecourse in the Celtic Steps venue.

According to Colm Ó Súilleabháin, Principal of St Oliver’s, the idea for the fundraiser was the brainchild of Denise Hendey, a parent of one of the children in the Special Classes who approached the school wanting to assist with raising much-needed funds for the classes. “She has been utterly amazing with the amount of work and organisation she has put into this event, sourcing an incredible number of fantastic prizes for the raffle and spot prizes for the bingo winners” he said.
Continuing he said “We are so appreciative of the incredible support we have received from all the businesses who have sponsored some amazing prizes and made very generous donations in support of the event.”

St. Oliver’s has eight separate Special Classes, home to 62 children. All monies raised on the night will go towards purchasing additional resources for the classes.

The event will commence at 7pm with doors opening at 6pm. So be sure to come along to what is promised to be a fun-filled night with numerous opportunities to win some amazing prizes and hopefully if there is a ‘knock on the door’ or a ‘bang on the drum’ it will be on your bingo card!

Bingo books (€10) and raffle tickets (€5) are available to buy from the school office and will be available on the night. All welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

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The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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