I refer to Mr. Tierney’s comments published on January 16, 2025. The suggestion of a motto such as “if it flies, it dies” existing in the hunting community is baseless and does a disservice to both hunters and the conservation work carried out by them.
While I understand Mr. Tierney’s inclination to address this topic, his remarks appear more focused on sensationalism and cheap shots rather than contributing constructively to the discussion.
They reveal a lack of understanding of the critical conservation work carried out by hunting organisations.
Mr. Tierney’s letter seems rooted in a narrow and biased perspective. His accusation that Ireland’s hunting community is responsible for the killing of a sea eagle is as baseless.
The death of the sea eagle was indeed a disgrace and deserves unequivocal condemnation from all, including those of us that are deeply committed to both hunting and conservation.
However, it is essential to allow the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and An Garda Síochána to investigate and address the matter appropriately.
Let us avoid divisive and unfounded allegations just to snatch a headline, it's unbecoming.
From Keith Foran, public relations officer, National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC).
[The NPWS had appealed for information after the shooting of a white-tailed eagle at Lough Owel, near Mullingar, Co. Westmeath around December 6, 2024.
The two-year old female eagle was part of the NPWS White-Tailed Eagle Reintroduction Programme. It was released in 2022 on the Shannon Estuary.
Investigating NPWS officers established that the bird was shot, but carried out further tests for forensic analysis.
As part of the reintroduction programme, white-tailed eagle chicks are fitted with satellite tags to monitor their movement.
Satellite information shows that the eagle was present in the area over the previous weeks, having travelled widely across the country since its release in 2022.
In early 2023, the eagle left north Co. Kerry, and spent time at various locations along the western seaboard.
It also travelled to Co. Donegal and spent a good deal of time flying over and back to counties Antrim, Fermanagh, Cavan, and other counties, and was also recorded as being at Lough Ree in the north midlands.]