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White-tailed eagle chicks released into wild at Killarney National Park

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Tánaiste Michéal Martin TD, along with Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD, released four White-tailed eagle chicks back into the wild at Killarney National Park.

Tánaiste Michéal Martin TD along with Minister for Nature Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD with Divisional Manager National Parks and WIldlife Service (NPWS) Eamonn Meskell released four White-tailed eagle chicks back into the wild at Killarney National Park.Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Tánaiste Michéal Martin TD along with Minister for Nature Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD with Divisional Manager National Parks and WIldlife Service (NPWS) Eamonn Meskell released four White-tailed eagle chicks back into the wild at Killarney National Park.Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Tánaiste Michéal Martin TD along with Minister for Nature Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD with Divisional Manager National Parks and WIldlife Service (NPWS) Eamonn Meskell released four White-tailed eagle chicks back into the wild at Killarney National Park.Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

The chicks are the first of 27 to be released in various locations around the country over the coming weeks, as part of an ongoing NPWS programme to reintroduce this once-extinct species back to Ireland.

Speaking at Killarney National Park, the Tánaiste said:

“It is a remarkable experience to witness these majestic birds in their natural habitat here at Killarney National Park. I’ve been following this reintroduction programme with real interest since the first chicks were released here at the Park in 2007. The White-tailed Eagle is an important part of our biodiversity, but also our heritage. Their reappearance in our skies is a source of wonder and interest for local and international visitors to Killarney National Park.
I would like to thank the NPWS staff, landowners and international partners from Norway for their work on the programme. We are all invested in the survival of these rare and beautiful birds, and have a part to play in keeping them safe.”

Once native to Ireland, the White-tailed Eagle became extinct in the nineteenth century. The White-tailed Eagle is a bird of prey and plays an important part in protecting our biodiversity. Since 2007 NPWS has been working with international partners, landowners and communities to reintroduce this iconic species to Irish skies. As part of phase two of this reintroduction project, a number of chicks are being brought over to Ireland from Norway. They are cared for in safe and secure locations until they are ready to be released.

Minister Noonan said:

“This Programme is one of a number of NPWS initiatives underway to restore our biodiversity. This is the second phase of this reintroduction project, and we now have evidence of White-tailed Eagles breeding in counties further afield - from the south of the island in Cork right up to Donegal.

Killarney is a special place for the White-tailed Eagle. This year, in Killarney National Park, two chicks have successfully fledged for the fourth year in a row.”

All of the chicks are fitted with satellite tags so that their movements can be tracked as they disperse and establish in new areas. The chicks are vulnerable to external factors such as adverse weather conditions, avian influenza and disease, and illegal poisonings.

Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General with the NPWS said:

“This reintroduction Programme really is a flagship initiative for NPWS, as it reflects so many elements of our conservation work – time and care, using science and best practice, combined with strong community engagement and partnership.”

Eamonn Meskell, Divisional Manager NPWS, Killarney National Park said:

“All of us at Killarney National Park welcome the White-tailed eagles returning to nest, breed and fledge their chicks. The Park provides the perfect nesting habitat, with its old, tall oak and pine trees, quiet surroundings and an ample supply of fish available in the lakes for their survival.”

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Gleneagle Concert Band’s annual charity concert

A brilliant big band sound will fill Killarney on Sunday, May 17 at 4.00pm as the Gleneagle Concert Band presents its eagerly awaited annual charity concert at Gleneagle. This year’s […]

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A brilliant big band sound will fill Killarney on Sunday, May 17 at 4.00pm as the Gleneagle Concert Band presents its eagerly awaited annual charity concert at Gleneagle.

This year’s concert will raise funds for Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House, Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club, Fossa/Killorglin Scout Groups, and the Gleneagle Concert Band Music Education Programme instrument loan scheme.

Special guest performers on the night will be the choir of St. Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School.

The programme promises to cater for all musical tastes, featuring military marches, classical selections, jazz numbers, film scores, choral works and popular vocal hits, ensuring an evening of high-quality entertainment for all ages.

Gleneagle Concert Band Music Development Officer Vincent Condon said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with local charities and hope the public will come out in great numbers again this year to support this worthwhile fundraising venture. Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House delivers caring and therapeutic services to those who have experienced cancer, their families and carers, and we are honoured to support their work.”

The Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club provides athletes with special needs the opportunity to be productive and respected members of society through participation in an all-year-round sports and competition programme.

“They do amazing work and deserve every support,” he added. 

Like the Gleneagle Concert Band, the Fossa/Killorglin Scout Groups have provided a fantastic outlet for young people over the years to develop life skills, forge friendships and contribute to their community. A large audience on the night will help raise much-needed funds to support these wonderful organisations.”

The Gleneagle Concert Band has performed with distinction for former President Mary McAleese and President Michael D. Higgins during their visits to Kerry. over the past 45 years the band has also represented Kerry and Ireland abroad on tours to Germany, Holland, Sweden, Austria, Portugal, Paris, Lisbon, Monaco and Cannes. Most recently, the band embarked on a successful joint concert tour to Seville and Gibraltar in 2025 with the Midleton Concert Band.

Band Manager Ciaran Lynch said: “This annual concert is always one of the highlights of our year. It not only showcases the dedication and talent of our musicians and choir, but also reflects the strong community spirit that exists throughout Kerry. We are extremely grateful for the continued support of the public, local businesses and community leaders, and we look forward to welcoming a large audience for what promises to be a fantastic evening of music and fundraising.”

Tickets are priced at €18. They are available at the door on the night, from Gleneagle Concert Band members, by calling 087 2229513, from the St. Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School office, via Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club (087 236 5664 or kerrystars63@gmail.com), Recovery Haven Kerry (066 7192122), and from Fossa/Killorglin Scout Group members or phone 0831394992

Anyone interested in joining the Gleneagle Concert Band, including past members and adults, or enrolling in lessons with the Gleneagle School of Music, is encouraged to contact the band on 087 2229513.

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Keith McMahon wins Denis Coffey Memorial at Waterville

The Dr Crokes GAA Club Golf Society travelled to the coastal links of Waterville Golf Club for their latest outing, held in memory of the late Denis Coffey. Denis was […]

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The Dr Crokes GAA Club Golf Society travelled to the coastal links of Waterville Golf Club for their latest outing, held in memory of the late Denis Coffey.

Denis was a highly regarded former player, member, and club officer, and the memorial event drew a strong turnout from society members and guests. The competition was sponsored by Brosnan & Co. Solicitors.
In a closely contested outing, Keith McMahon claimed the overall victory, finishing on 35 points to edge out John O’Leary on a countback. The scoring remained tight throughout the field, with John Lynch and David Byrne also featuring prominently on the leader board.
The prizegiving took place later that evening at The Speakeasy Bar in Killarney, where members of the Coffey family were present to hand over the trophies to the successful golfers.

Dr Crokes Golf Society Results
PositionWinnerScore1stKeith McMahon (10)35 pts
2ndJohn O’Leary (21)35 pts
3rdJohn Lynch (12)35 pts
4thDavid Byrne (21)34 pts
5thShane O’Driscoll (27)34 pts
6thSean Brosnan (6)33 pts
Cat 1Frank Shaw (5)31 pts
Cat 2Timmy O’Donoghue (14)33 pts
Cat 3Finian Moran (19)33 pts
Front 9James Jones (7)18 pts
Back 9Joey Sheehan (6)17 pts
Guest 1stTadhg Hickey (23)40 pts
Guest 2ndJohn Griffin (12)37 pts

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