We’re a bit sheepish
Twin sheep & goat hybrids born on farm
A MALE sheep has mated with a nanny goat called Daisy which has given birth twin geeps, no kidding.
The pair of healthy hybrids born on a Co Mayo farm are understood to be the first twin geeps born alive.
Angela Bermingham has named them This and That and she intends keeping them as pets.
The ram, which is believed to have sired the twins, is owned by Padraic Holmes from Murneen in Claremorris.
Padraig’s father Michael has done extensive research on geeps since they came prancing into the world some weeks ago.
He said: “To have one geep survive is rare, but to have two fit and healthy twins running around must be regarded as something of a miracle.”
Ms Bermingham said she knew there was “something going on” when Daisy, “a bit of gallivanter” jumped a fence outside her cottage into land owned by Mr Holmes, where a flock of ewes, which were being serviced by a Cheviot ram, were grazing.
She added: “I knew something was going on because she didn’t come out of the field for a week.
“When she became obviously pregnant I knew immediately what had happened.”
Hugging the agile little animals she added: “Well, they’re not goats and they’re not lambs either.”
“They were born with no horns and a full set of sharp teeth. That’s not usual.” Mayo County Councillor Michael Holmes, who is a long-time livestock farmer and a former chairman of the IFA’S National Sheep Committee, is certain they are hybrids. He added: “These little geeps are very unusual. I have never
seen twins before.”
They were born with no horns and a full set of sharp teeth ANGELA BERMINGHAM CO MAYO YESTERDAY
THE starting pistol may have been fired in the race for Aras an Uachtarain with Sinn Fein likely set to announce a presidential election candidate.
Though unlikely to win, the move may force the hand of the other big parties.
Popular incumbent Michael D Higgins, hasn’t revealed whether he will go for a second seven-year term.
If he does, it is unlikely many would waste money on a contest they most likely will lose.
It has been reported the 76-year-old will try for another term but critics have said he should keep his promise and step down.
Sinn Fein are entitled to put forward a candidate and restart the conversation.