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Rare eagles take flight from Norway by plane!

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INTO THE WILD: White-tailed Eagles arrived into Kerry Airport from Norway. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

 

A group of young White-tailed Eagles arrived in Kerry Airport last week and have since been released into the wilds of Killarney National Park as part of a long-term project to reintroduce species that were extinct in Ireland.

The White-tailed Eagles were released in Munster by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht’s National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) as part of a Phase Two project to bolster the small existing breeding population in Ireland.

The mission involved moving the young eagles – who had been monitored for a number of months – from Norway. They were taken to a waiting chartered flight at Trondheim Airport, for transport to Kerry Airport on a journey of four hours 20 minutes.

“This latest operation, under Phase Two of the conservation project, was an incredible team effort between the wildlife personnel both here and in Norway,” said outgoing Minister of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan, TD in her last job in the role.

“Thanks to their logistical work, bringing the latest influx of White-tailed Eagles to these shores, the future is positive for the eagle, which had been extinct in Ireland for over a century. The latest conservation intervention cements the work already done in bringing these graceful birds back to our skies, and I would like to express my appreciation for all involved in lending this hand to nature.”

Previously, one hundred young White-tailed Eagles were released in Killarney National Park between 2007 and 2011. Birds from these releases subsequently dispersed widely throughout Ireland with first breeding in 2012 on Lough Derg, County Clare. Since then a small breeding population of eight to 10 pairs have successfully fledged 26 chicks with an additional six chicks likely to fledged into the wild in Munster in the next few weeks.

Some Irish-bred eagles are now reaching maturity and starting to breed in the wild. However, a scientific review of the reintroduction project indicated the small population is still vulnerable to mortality factors such as illegal poisoning and the breeding population was negatively impacted by Avian Influenza in 2018 and storm Hannah in 2019. Thus it was decided to carry out this supplementary release to bolster the existing population.

Farmers helped monitor birds and nests at some sites. The Phase Two release hopes to build on this relationship into the future to ensure that farming and eagles continue to coexist to their mutual benefit.

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Boxing brothers aim for European Championship

Killarney boxing brothers, Jamesie and Pa Casey, have their sights set on representing Ireland at the upcoming European championships after a successful spring in the ring. Both national champions for […]

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Killarney boxing brothers, Jamesie and Pa Casey, have their sights set on representing Ireland at the upcoming European championships after a successful spring in the ring.

Both national champions for 2025, the talented siblings are in preparation for crucial national competitions. Pa is gearing up for the junior cadets in three weeks, while Jamesie will compete in the under-18 championships in July.

Victory in these national events would automatically earn both boys an invitation to the high-performance unit, bringing them a step closer to being selected for the Irish team heading to the European championships.

Both Jamesie and Pa follow a rigorous training schedule, working out six days a week, twice a day – before school and work in the morning, and again every evening.

They are currently in camp, preparing for their respective national competitions.

The brothers understand the commitment required at this level of boxing, describing it as a lifestyle demanding 100% dedication, including twice-daily training, healthy eating, weight management, strength and conditioning, running, sparring, and technical training.

The Casey brothers thanked Bobby Enright of Peak Performance Academy for strength and conditioning and nutrition guidance, ProActive Physiotherapy for their support and the coaches and volunteers at Sliabh Luachra Boxing Club

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Killorglin’s RDI Hub to hosts open week

The RDI Hub in Killorglin is inviting the public to an Open Week next week, from Monday, May 19 to Friday, May 23. They are encouraging people who are curious […]

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The RDI Hub in Killorglin is inviting the public to an Open Week next week, from Monday, May 19 to Friday, May 23.

They are encouraging people who are curious about what the hub offers, or anyone needing a different place to work for a day, to come and visit.
During the week, people can use a desk for free at any time. They can also stay for just an hour or for the whole day. There will be lunchtime events each day featuring guest speakers. On Friday, visitors can try out the Media Lab with free podcasting sessions, but booking ahead is needed for this. The hub offers a lively space where people can work together.
The lunchtime events include Chris Barrett talking about his Arctic journey on Monday, John Ryan from Gigable on business growth strategies on Tuesday, Gavin Henrick from Brickfield Labs discussing accessibility on Wednesday, Hugh Reynolds from the RDI Hub talking about online marketing on Thursday, and a VHI Wellness Station on Friday. The Media Lab will also be open on Friday for podcasting sessions.
Anyone interested in attending the Open Week is asked to sign up using this link: https://bit.ly/4jlJlD3.

Lunchtime Events During Open Week:

Monday 19: Chris Barrett – Journey to the Arctic on the Fjällräven Polar Expedition
An incredible story of resilience, adventure, and pushing boundaries.
Tuesday 20: John Ryan, Gigable – Go-to-Market Strategy Session
Practical strategies for launching and growing your business.
Wednesday 21: Gavin Henrick, Brickfield Labs – Tearing Down the Accessibility Barriers
Why accessibility matters and how to build inclusive digital experiences.
Thursday 22: Hugh Reynolds, RDI Hub Entrepreneur in Residence – Zero to Online Hero
Explore what happens when a community experiment meets digital marketing.
Friday 23: VHI Wellness Station
Close out the week with the VHI Wellness Station which will give you insights into Body Composition, Diabetes Risk and More!
Bonus Friday Activity:
🎙️ Open Media Lab Access and Complimentary Podcasting Sessions
Explore our new Media Lab and try out a mini podcasting session with expert support.
Sessions are free but must be pre-booked in advance – limited slots available!
For more information, you can contact Megan Daly Tyrrell at megan.dalytyrrell@rdihub.com.

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