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Anger as National Park says roaming deer not its problem

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DIVIDED: Road safety activists and animal welfare activists remain divided on how to control the deer population in Killarney National Park. Photo: Philo Brosnan

 

By Sean Moriarty

 

There was widespread anger at Wednesday’s Killarney Municipal Meeting after it was, effectively, revealed that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) would do nothing to solve the roaming deer issue in Killarney National Park and the wider Killarney area.

Last November, Cllr Brendan Cronin lead a deputation of Ballydowney and Fossa residents to the Council outlining issues connected with the growing issues with large numbers of deer roaming in the Killarney area.

The group – some of whom have lost family members in fatal accidents involving deer – have being campaigning for over a year now but are growing increasingly frustrated at the lack of action by the NPWS.

As a result of this deputation the KMD wrote to the NPWS asking for action on the growing problem.

The NPWS carries out an annual cull, 272 were culled last year and 65 were culled last week in what was week one of a three week programme. Outside of culling deer within the grounds of Killarney National Park the NPWS has absolved itself of all responsibility regarding deer management and said as much in its letter to the Council.

The contents of this letter angered every elected member at the Killarney meeting.

‘The management of animals outside the National Park and in the wider Killarney Valley area is a matter for private landowners and culling and control is not the responsibility of the Department beyond the issuing of licences/permits which may be applied for,’ said the letter, which was seen by the Killarney Advertiser.

“This is insulting to the people who came into the meeting in November,” said Cllr Cronin. “They would badly want to come and talk to the families who have suffered because of this. I feel like beating my head off a strong wall when I see the mentality behind this.”

The NPWS letter further explained that while it does manage deer within the Park it does not own them and this statement further angered councillors.

“So, they can fine a hunter if he shoots one without a licence or hunts out of season, but they don’t own them or can’t manage them for road safety reasons?” asked Cllr Donal Grady.

Last November the residents of Ballydowney and Fossa called for fencing to be placed in their areas to prevent deer escaping – an issue that was highlighted last week by photographs doing the rounds on social media that showed a herd of deer grazing on a busy roundabout.

‘Fencing is simply not a viable solution and would not achieve the desired results,’ said the letter.

The local Council will now form a deputation to the NPWS office in Leinster House in Dublin.

“We are not giving up on this,” added Cronin.

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Newstalk Summer Tour arrives in Killarney

Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town. On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with […]

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Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town.

On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman will be live from the Café du Parc in the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, kicking off at 7 am.
Ciara and Shane are scheduled to speak with local Kerry figures and take a trip on Killarney’s jaunting cars to see the sights.
Kelly said: “I am so excited to head to Killarney. I have had some fantastic memories as a child visiting Kerry and can’t wait to go back for Newstalk’s Summer tour!”
Coleman added: “Kerry is a wonderful place to visit and I am looking forward to seeing its natural beauty, vibrant culture and rich history.”
The week-long tour is taking the full Newstalk experience to towns across Ireland, featuring live shows, special guests, and conversation.

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Ring of Kerry Cycle to honour founder Paddy O’Donoghue

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This year’s Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, scheduled for July 5, will be run in memory of Paddy O’Donoghue, a founding member of the event.

Mr O’Donoghue, aged 81, from Muckross, passed away following a road collision in Kilgarvan on Tuesday, this week.

Paddy was a retired Kerry County Council engineer, affectionately known as ‘Paddy the Engineer’.

He was a driving force behind the annual charity cycle since its inception in 1982, regularly participating and fundraising for various causes. Beyond his cycling contributions, the Glenflesk native was also a notable footballer, having been part of the East Kerry team that secured the first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1971.

Cathal Walshe, PRO of the Ring of Kerry Cycle said: “On behalf of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle I wish to extend sincere sympathy to Brenda and the O’Donoghue family on the sad and sudden loss of Paddy.

“He was a fantastic supporter of the annual charity cycle since it’s inception back in the 80s. A regular participant and wonderful fundraiser for whatever charity he chose. Paddy loved a challenge in whatever he undertook and was the epitome of what the event was all about. We miss the banter and craic but he won’t ever be forgotten. This year’s event will be dedicated to his memory on July the 5th. His likes will never be seen again. Slan Abhaile our friend.”

Tributes have been paid to Mr O’Donoghue, including from his local Glenflesk GAA club, who stated, “Glenflesk GAA would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Paddy O’Donoghue on his sad passing. He was a true Glenflesk stalwart as a player, mentor and lifelong supporter.”

Paddy is survived by his wife Brenda, children Florence, Áine, Denise, Brenda, Báirbre, Patrick, and Alice, 17 grandchildren, his brother John, sisters Margaret, Kathleen, and Anna, and a wide circle of relatives and friends.

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