Killarney

<h3>The inaugural ‘Call of the Wild’ autumn gathering in Killarney National Park last weekend, was a resounding success as up to one hundred people came to witness nature at its best.</h3>
<p>The rain and thunder didn’t deter the enjoyment of the many activities led by a team of dedicated and passionate Conservation Rangers led by Danny O’Keeffe, District Conservation Officer, NPWS.</p>
<p>Autumn in Killarney National Park, in particular the month of October, is considered the most amazing time to observe the Irish Red deer activity during the annual rutting season. The renowned native Irish Red deer are the largest and only native species with a continuous presence in Ireland since the end of the last Ice Age (c.10,000 BC).</p>
<p>The audible bellows and tribal behaviour is fascinating. More than one hundred people, some travelling long distances for Saturday and Sunday morning&#8217;s Dawn Watch, led by Conservation Ranger NPWS, Padruig O’Sullivan, were treated to a fascinating performance by the Irish Red deer stags as they gathered their hinds in Knockreer Estate.</p>
<h3>REMEMBERING PAUDIE</h3>
<p>The weekend also featured the Inaugural Paudie O’Leary Lecture. Paudie was the Head Conservation Ranger at Killarney National Park, and sadly passed away unexpectedly in August 2012. His gentle presence has left a huge void among his work colleagues, family and people of Killarney. His knowledge and love of the National Park was incredible. To honour Paudie’s memory, Divisional Manager Killarney National Park, Eamonn Meskell, delivered the Inaugural Paudie O’Leary Lecture at Killarney House Auditorium. In a very personal delivery, Eamonn showed a set of images taken by Paudie of his life and work in Killarney National Park. Members of Paudie’s family attended the lovely event including his wife, Geraldine O’Leary, daughters, Sinead O&#8217;Leary, Bríd O&#8217;Leary, Muireann O&#8217;Leary, family members, Mary Horan, Noreen O&#8217;Sullivan, and Eileen Moran. His former work colleagues, Peter O&#8217;Toole, Paschal Dower, John O&#8217;Connor, Tim Burkett and Brendan O&#8217;Shea, Dan Kelleher, Paddy O’Sullivan and Áine Ní Shúilleabháin.</p>
<p>Children attending the Scavenger Hunt at Knockreer Education Centre, though drenched, had a fantastic time collecting and identifying fallen leaves and nuts.</p>
<p>The Autumn Night Watch led by Conservation Ranger NPWS Sean Forde, drew a dedicated group of people, they were shown native bats, Sika hinds and stags, and listened to bellowing of the Irish Red stag.</p>
<p>Sunday&#8217;s discussion group at Muckross School House, was facilitated by Chief Executive Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell, and Conservation Rangers NPWS, Mary Sheehan, Padruig O’Sullivan and Sean Forde, disused their work within the 10,000 hectares encompassing Killarney National Park, covering a diverse range of subjects, the importance of ecology, preserving the ancient oak and yew woodlands &#8211; the most extensive covering of native forest of international importance, the famous Lakes of Killarney, the future of the Park and changes of their roles over the past 40 years.</p>


Call of the Wild - wet weather included!

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