A Gneeveguilla woman was given a unprecedented honour when four white-tailed eagle chicks were released into Killarney National Park.

Last week, 24 White-tailed eagle chicks werereleased in locations around Lough Derg, the Shannon Estuary and the west of Ireland, as part of a long term reintroduction programme managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Services.

Four of them were released in Killarney National Park and one of those four has been named Julia after one of the park’s longest serving staff members.

This was done to honour Julia Mary Lucey, of Bounard, Gneeveguilla who has served 40 years of unwavering dedication in her administrative duties in Muckross House.

She began her career with the Trustees of Muckross House under the late Ned Myers, former Manager. Even in her early retirement, Julia still keeps in touch with all the staff and has a huge interest in the wildlife, culture, and ongoing events at the house and National Park.