17/09/2008
Blue Whale Spotted Off Kerry
The world's largest living animal, the blue whale, has made its fist trip to Ireland in what is thought to be island's first validated sighting.
A member of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) claimed to have seen the whale while aboard a fishing vessel searching for albacore tuna on Tuesday off the Kerry coast.
According to the group: "At least one and probably two very large whales approached the MV Atlantic Explorer."
The whales approached within range for a photograph, and at least one of which was later identified as a blue whale.
A spokesman for the IWDG said: "Identification was confirmed by their very pale colouration, unique mottling pattern and the thick muscular column which runs along their back."
According to studies in the North Atlantic by Cornell University, USA, upwards of 50 blue whales pass through Irish offshore waters late Autumn/early winter on what is presumably a southbound migration.
The blue whale is the largest mammal, possibly the largest animal, to ever inhabit the earth, growing up to 110ft in length, and weighing as much as 181 tonnes.
(DW/JM)
A member of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) claimed to have seen the whale while aboard a fishing vessel searching for albacore tuna on Tuesday off the Kerry coast.
According to the group: "At least one and probably two very large whales approached the MV Atlantic Explorer."
The whales approached within range for a photograph, and at least one of which was later identified as a blue whale.
A spokesman for the IWDG said: "Identification was confirmed by their very pale colouration, unique mottling pattern and the thick muscular column which runs along their back."
According to studies in the North Atlantic by Cornell University, USA, upwards of 50 blue whales pass through Irish offshore waters late Autumn/early winter on what is presumably a southbound migration.
The blue whale is the largest mammal, possibly the largest animal, to ever inhabit the earth, growing up to 110ft in length, and weighing as much as 181 tonnes.
(DW/JM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 August 2012
Fin Whale Stranded In Baltimore Harbour
A 12-metre (40ft) fin whale has gotten into difficulty in Baltimore harbour, and is stuck against the pier wall in west Cork. The creature came in to the harbour on a low tide and initially moved 300 to 400 metres offshore before coming back to the small port.
Fin Whale Stranded In Baltimore Harbour
A 12-metre (40ft) fin whale has gotten into difficulty in Baltimore harbour, and is stuck against the pier wall in west Cork. The creature came in to the harbour on a low tide and initially moved 300 to 400 metres offshore before coming back to the small port.
16 August 2012
Fin Whale In Baltimore Harbour Dies
The fin whale trapped for two days in Baltimore harbour has died. The 18m, 40-tonne mammal was first spotted making its way through the harbour on Tuesday morning. Whale experts believed it was an emaciated and sick young female. The whale became very agitated and distressed in recent days and injured itself more on the harbour wall.
Fin Whale In Baltimore Harbour Dies
The fin whale trapped for two days in Baltimore harbour has died. The 18m, 40-tonne mammal was first spotted making its way through the harbour on Tuesday morning. Whale experts believed it was an emaciated and sick young female. The whale became very agitated and distressed in recent days and injured itself more on the harbour wall.
11 May 2015
Man Arrested Over Limerick Shooting
A 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a shooting incident in Limerick. A 42-year-old man received gunshot injuries after a male approached premises and shot him on Saturday at approximately 2pm. The man was taken to Limerick University Hospital and his injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
Man Arrested Over Limerick Shooting
A 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a shooting incident in Limerick. A 42-year-old man received gunshot injuries after a male approached premises and shot him on Saturday at approximately 2pm. The man was taken to Limerick University Hospital and his injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
29 July 2013
Swimmer Attacked By Dolphin In Co Clare
A swimmer in Co Clare has become the fourth person to be injured by a dolphin who has been in the area of Doolin pier since 2011. The female bottlenose dolphin, known as 'Dusty', charged a woman as she left the water after a nighttime swim. The woman was hit in the kidney area and left winded. It is understood she was left badly bruised.
Swimmer Attacked By Dolphin In Co Clare
A swimmer in Co Clare has become the fourth person to be injured by a dolphin who has been in the area of Doolin pier since 2011. The female bottlenose dolphin, known as 'Dusty', charged a woman as she left the water after a nighttime swim. The woman was hit in the kidney area and left winded. It is understood she was left badly bruised.
08 February 2012
Journalist John Cunningham Passes Away
Galway journalist and former editor of the Connaught Tribune John Cunningham died last night. Mr Cunningham, joined the Connaught Tribune in 1984 to 2007. He previously worked as editor for the Waterford News and Star from 1982 to 1984.
Journalist John Cunningham Passes Away
Galway journalist and former editor of the Connaught Tribune John Cunningham died last night. Mr Cunningham, joined the Connaught Tribune in 1984 to 2007. He previously worked as editor for the Waterford News and Star from 1982 to 1984.