Public invited to red deer rut

WHILE most of us were watching Kerry’s minors make history on Sunday afternoon, Tralee woman Elaine Burrows-Dillane decided to make her own history by becoming the first woman to swim from Fenit to Blennerville...and back again.

Elaine swam the 16km route in 4h-10mins with water temperatures at a chippy 13c. And if swimming Tralee Bay wasn’t enough, Elaine completed the swim under marathon rules which meant one swim cap, one pair of goggles and no wetsuit – the latter meaning she went without the buoyancy and protection from the cold a wetsuit gives.

Elaine said her motivation on Sunday stemmed from a sense of personal accomplishment rather than any fixation with times or races – a reason why she decided to give it a go.

“The temperature had dropped in the days before the swim and I wasn’t sure how I would get on. But in the end I couldn’t have written away for a better day.

“I never felt tired and sometimes when swimming you can get into a zone. I just love swimming so much that a sense AUTUMN doesn’t have a voice but if it did it would surely sound something like Killarney National Park at this time of year as the Red deer rut gets ready to rumble. The native red deer have been part and parcel of Kerry life for well over 5,000 years and it’s no surprise their presence continues to attract huge public interest.

This amazing gift from nature is an experience to behold and the Wild Deer Association of Ireland and the National Parks & Wildlife Service will host the annual deer rut walk on Sunday, October 15 at 9am at Killarney National Park.

Killarney offers a unique opportunity to observe these amazing wild animals at close quarters. Visitors on the day will be accompanied by conservation rangers, who will be on hand to answer all queries and will also give a talk on the parks and a history of the famous Red deer, while a large display of antlers will be available to inspect.

The 2016 rut walk was delayed due to the unusually high temperatures which had an adverse effect on the breeding season causing male deer to become more subdued. But temperatures are expected to be just right for this year. Places are limited so book early.

The event is free of charge and is expected to last approximately two hours. The location is suitable for all ages and fitness levels with families welcome. For booking email: wilddeerireland@gmail.com.