A community fundraiser has been set up to support a farming family in Artigallivan, Headford, following the theft of more than 160 sheep since May.

Denis O’Connor, his wife Marie, and their four children have been left facing severe financial and emotional strain after repeated thefts from their farm at the end of the Clydagh Valley.

Ten sheep were reported stolen as recently as last week, and the incidents are under investigation.

Gardaí are appealing for information and for anyone who notices suspicious activity in the area to contact Killarney Garda Station.

The family outlined the impact of the losses at the recent Glenflesk Community Alert meeting.

Denis has now moved back into the home farmhouse in an effort to protect the remaining livestock.

A rare Bufflehead duck was confirmed on Lough Léin in Killarney National Park on Wednesday afternoon.

The bird was spotted by Dr Tomas C. Kelly, retired lecturer with University College Cork, who recorded the sighting while visiting the area.

Padruig O’Sullivan, Conservation Ranger with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, said the species is extremely rare in Western Europe.

He explained that Buffleheads breed in Canada and Alaska and normally winter in North America.

The small diving duck has only been recorded in Ireland twice before: in Macroom, Co. Cork in 1988 and in Co. Clare in 2007.

It is known for its constant diving behaviour and nests in tree cavities, similar to Goldeneyes.

Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan