News
Crimes against deer continue to soar
T
Tourism in Killarney is enjoying a boost this autumn with hotels and other accommodation busier than normal, thanks to numbers arriving to catch the deer rutting season amid spectacular autumn foliage.
Large stags and their hinds within metres of the lakeside Lake Hotel dining room have become a nightly fixture for camera-wearing tourists and diners. Social media is right now full of extraordinary pictures of red stags bellowing at dawn.
A recent red deer walk by the Irish Deer Commission and the National Parks and Wildlife Service drew visitors from Dublin, Waterford, Wexford and other regions, all of them staying in local hotels and accommodation.
However, fears are being expressed about wildlife crime against deer by unscrupulous gangs operating along the Cork/Kerry border between Kilgarvan and Coolea, and in the Kilcummin area north of Killarney.
Wildlife crime against deer has soared this season in the southwest, the Irish Deer Commission has revealed.
Meetings between the deer commission and gardaí have been taking place in the Cork/Kerry border area in an effort to tackle illegal night-time hunting in particular, but also other wildlife crime against deer, commission spokesman Damien Hannigan said.
The commission, made up of conservationists and deer stalkers and experienced hunters, has had 34 reports of wildlife crime against deer since September 1, when the season for hunting male deer under permit opened. The number of reports is the highest ever than during the recession Mr Hannigan said.
The season for hunting of female deer under permit opened yesterday (November 1) and there are fears of a further increase of the illegal hunting in advance of the Christmas season by gangs who sell the venison illegally.
Deer are dazzled and then shot and in some cases chased to exhaustion by dogs.
Negativity involving unsubstantiated claims that linking deer with the spread of TB and so on may be contributing to the increase, Mr Hannigan added. He is urging the public to report any night-time activity that might be targeting our deer.
Pic: Peter O'Toole.
Champion jockey Oisín Murphy set for home debut
Five-time British Champion Flat Jockey Oisín Murphy is scheduled to compete at his home track for the first time ever on Tuesday July 14.
The Killarney native grew up near the venue but has never ridden a professional race here. Since moving to England at 17, his Irish appearances have been rare, yielding just eight winners.
“Riding a winner at Killarney has always been a lifelong dream of mine,” Murphy said. “I grew up watching racing here, and to finally ride here in front of my family, friends, and the home crowd is going to be an incredibly special moment. I hope I can give everyone plenty to cheer about.”
Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Oisín Murphy back to his hometown. Having a world-class, champion jockey born right here in Killarney ride at our track for the very first time is a massive honour. It is a very proud day for our community and local racing fans and will really add to our July Festival.”
The appearance takes place on day two of the July Festival, which runs from Monday July 13 to Friday July 17.
Person of interest leaves jurisdiction in Killarney murder case
Gardaí investigating the murder of Jamey Carney have confirmed that a person of interest left the jurisdiction in the early hours of Tuesday July 7, prior to the discovery of the body.
An Garda Síochána are currently engaging with international law enforcement partners as part of the ongoing investigation into the death at a domestic residence on Muckross Road. The murder investigation is being carried out by the Serious Crime Unit, Kerry Division, with assistance from national units including the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) and the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
The scene at Muckross Road remains preserved today, and the technical examination is continuing.
Gardaí are renewing their appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. In particular, anyone who was in the Muckross Road area between 11pm on July 6 and 5am on July 7, and who may have camera, CCTV, or dashcam footage, is asked to contact the investigation team.
Anyone with information can contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Champion jockey Oisín Murphy set for home debut in Killarney on Tuesday
Champion jockey Oisín Murphy set for home debut Five-time British Champion Flat Jockey Oisín Murphy is scheduled to compete at...
Gardai confirm person of interest “has left jurisdiction” in Killarney murder case
Person of interest leaves jurisdiction in Killarney murder case Gardaí investigating the murder of Jamey Carney have confirmed that a...
Ade Desbrow wins Killarney Camera Club final seasonal competition
Ade Desbrow wins Killarney Camera Club final seasonal competition Killarney Camera Club member Ade Desbrow has secured first place in...
Shronedraugh songwriter to release new single inspired by the Paps of Anu
Shronedraugh songwriter Gersemi Witch is set to release her second single, titled ‘The Hawthorn and the Hearth’, on Friday, July 17....
Muckross Road death upgraded to murder investigation
Gardaí have officially upgraded their investigation into the death of a woman in Killarney to a murder investigation. An Garda...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
