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Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Cycling legend Seán Kelly helps to launch Down Syndrome fundraiser at 25th Tour de Munster
Cycling legend Seán Kelly got the wheels rolling on the 25th Tour de Munster fundraising cycle on Thursday, which has raised over €5m for Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) branches across the province over the last two decades. Mr Kelly, one of most successful road cyclists of the 1980s and one of the finest classics riders of all time, led more than 100 participants off from Cork's famous English Market on the 600km four-day tour of the province. They will visit all six of its counties before rolling back into Cork on Sunday to face the gruelling climb up the steep St Patrick's Hill to mark the grand finish. Since its launch in 2001, cyclists taking part in the various Tour de Munster events have raised more than €5m for DSI's Munster branches, which DSI says has made 'a meaningful and lasting impact' on the lives of children and adults with Down syndrome throughout the region. (Left to right) Claire Wright of Down Syndrome Ireland, Paul Sheridan, founder of the Tour de Munster; Jeni Kiely; Lord Mayor of Cork Fergal Dennehy; Cycling legend Seán Kelly; Cial Casserly, and Tara Casserly, chairperson of Down Syndrome Cork, at the official start of the 25th annual Tour de Munster. Picture: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO Tour founder, Paul Sheridan, said reaching the 25th anniversary of the event is a huge milestone for everyone involved. 'It's a testament to the dedication and heart that surrounds this event,' he said. 'Taking on the Tour de Munster requires real commitment, with months of training, fundraising, and preparing for four challenging days on the road. Noel Day (left) from Glanmire, and Ger Brickley (right) from Blarney at the official start of the 25th annual Tour de Munster, marking the cycle's silver anniversary in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland Munster branches. Picture: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO 'But what keeps the wheels turning is the incredible spirit behind it all. 'The support from the public means everything; it lifts our cyclists mile after mile. 'Every cent raised goes directly to the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland, making a genuine impact where it's needed most. Jeni and Joey Kiely from Carrigaline at the official start of the 25th annual Tour de Munster. Picture: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO 'We're asking the people of Munster to rally behind us once again by cheering us on, donate if you can, and help us continue making a real difference together.' Tara Casserly, the chairperson of Down Syndrome Cork - Field of Dreams branch, said they are honoured to be part of the Tour de Munster's 25th anniversary celebrations. (Left to right) Mike Forde, Carrigtwohill, Catherine Cashman, Midleton, Tod McCarthy, Skibbereen, and Maria O'Neill, Aghada, at the official start of the 25th annual Tour de Munster. Picture: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO 'Each year, this event brings such positive energy to our community, and seeing the cyclists make that final climb up St Patrick's Hill is always a moving moment,' she said. 'At Down Syndrome Cork - Field of Dreams, we deeply appreciate the dedication and generosity that fuels this Tour. (Left to right) Leah, Conor, Jean, Avril, and Michael Mallon from Bishopstown at the official start of the 25th annual Tour de Munster. Picture: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO "The impact it has on our members' lives is enormous, and we'd love the people of Cork to come to Patrick's Hill next Sunday and help us to cheer everyone on.' You can support the Tour de Munster fundraiser by donating at
The Irish Sun
31-07-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Fota Wildlife Park announce birth of ‘incredibly rare' drill monkey baby with cute photos in major conservation boost
FOTA Wildlife Park has announced the birth of an endangered male drill monkey. The young drill is the offspring of nine-year-old mother Lewa and 10-year-old father Ekona. 3 An adorable baby drill has been born to Fota Wildlife Park Credit: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO 3 The drill species is a rare and endangered animal Credit: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO Drills are a rare primate species closely related to mandrills. This baby is the first of its species to be born at the Co Cork conservation facility as part of a European Endangered Breeding Programme. Lead Ranger Teresa Power said: 'We're absolutely thrilled to announce the birth of this baby drill, it's a first not only for "The drill is an incredibly rare and endangered species, so it's a real privilege to be part of the conservation and care of the species. READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS "Lewa, the new mother, is doing an excellent job. She's very protective, and the young male is nursing well, this is her first baby. "For now, Lewa and the baby are being kept separate from the rest of the group, along with Banni, our younger female, who is both curious and attentive toward the new arrival. "We're hopeful that Banni may give birth herself later this year, and she's already learning valuable maternal behaviours from observing Lewa. "Visitors to Fota Wildlife Park may see the young monkey with his mother, at the purpose-built drill habitat and island. MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN "Drill infants are born with a distinctive black cap of hair, which they usually lose around six months of age. "They're quite precocious too — we often see them trying to wander off as early as two weeks old! Everyone saying the same thing as 'precious' baby rhinoceros is born in Cork's Fota Wildlife Park "Lewa, however, is quick to pull him back and keep him close. We plan to reunite the group once the baby is a little bigger and more independent. "Drills are large animals, with the males weighing around 33 kgs, they are powerfully built with large canine teeth and feature a range of colours such as lilac, blue, pink and purple on their rumps". Over the past 30 years, drill populations have declined by at least 50 per cent. In the wild, they are found only in a limited range: Cross River State in Nigeria, southwestern Their total natural habitat covers less than 40,000 square kilometres, roughly half the size of Ireland. PUBLIC CHOOSE NAME There are an estimated 3,000-4,000 drills left in the wild which is decreasing due to habitat loss to give way for development and plantations. Fota Wildlife Park is asking the public to help name the young male monkey, and to enter their suggestion via the website at Fota Wildlife Park is home to over 100 The park actively participates in EEPs for species such as the The Wildlife Park is open daily from 9.30 am, tickets are available to book on-line at 3 The new baby comes as part of a major conservation effort Credit: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO
Extra.ie
31-07-2025
- General
- Extra.ie
Fota Wildlife Park's latest addition is a major first for Ireland
This is not a drill! Well, technically, it is. Cork's Fota Wildlife are celebrating a major first for Ireland. On July 18, the popular wildlife park welcomed a brand new endangered male drill monkey, who is the first of its species to be born at the Cork conservation facility as part of a European Endangered Breeding Programme. The young monkey is the offspring of 9-year-old mother, Lewa, and 10-year-old father, Ekona. Drills are a rare primate species closely related to mandrills. Cork's Fota Wildlife are celebrating a major first for Ireland. Pic: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO Over the past three decades, the population of drills has declined by at least 50%. The rare animals are today only found in a limited range, such as Cross River State in Nigeria, southwestern Cameroon, and Bioko Island in Equatorial Guinea. Their total natural habitat covers less than 40,000 square kilometres, roughly half the size of Ireland. There are an estimated 3,000-4,000 drills left in the wild, and the numbers are decreasing due to habitat loss to give way for development and plantations. The young monkey is the offspring of 9-year-old mother, Lewa, and 10-year-old father, Ekona. Pic: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO Fota's Lead Ranger, Teresa Power, said everybody at the park is 'absolutely thrilled' about the new addition. She said: 'It's a first not only for Fota Wildlife Park but for Ireland as well. The drill is an incredibly rare and endangered species, so it's a real privilege to be part of the conservation and care of the species. 'Lewa, the new mother, is doing an excellent job. She's very protective, and the young male is nursing well, this is her first baby. For now, Lewa and the baby are being kept separate from the rest of the group, along with Banni, our younger female, who is both curious and attentive toward the new arrival.' Drills are a rare primate species closely related to mandrills. Pic: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO Power added: 'We're hopeful that Banni may give birth herself later this year, and she's already learning valuable maternal behaviours from observing Lewa. Visitors to Fota Wildlife Park may see the young monkey with his mother, at the purpose-built drill habitat and island. 'Drill infants are born with a distinctive black cap of hair, which they usually lose around six months of age. They're quite precocious too — we often see them trying to wander off as early as two weeks old! Lewa, however, is quick to pull him back and keep him close. We plan to reunite the group once the baby is a little bigger and more independent.' Fota Wildlife Park is now asking the public to help name the young male monkey and to enter their suggestion via the website for the chance to win a year-long Conservation Annual Pass to the Park. In other baby animal news, Dublin Zoo recently announced the birth of a rare and endangered female okapi calf, born on the morning of Good Friday, April 18, 2025. Both the calf and her mother Lumara, aged 10, are 'thriving' after months of 'beautiful care'. The young calf has been growing steadily, showing all the signs of good health and Dublin Zoo confirmed that her name will be revealed soon. She is just the third ever okapi calf born in Ireland which marks an important milestone in the conservation of the okapi species.
Irish Examiner
31-07-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
First look: Endangered baby drill monkey born at Fota Wildlife Park
Fota Wildlife Park has announced the birth of the first endangered baby drill monkey born at the Cork conservation centre. The endangered male drill monkey (Mandrillus leucophaeus) was born on July 18, the first of its species born at the park as part of the European Endangered Breeding Programme (EEP). The young drill is the offspring of nine-year-old mother Lewa and 10-year-old father Ekona. Drills are a rare primate species closely related to mandrills, and over the past 30 years, the populations of drills have declined by at least 50%. In the wild, they are found only in a limited range in Cross River State in Nigeria, southwestern Cameroon, and Bioko Island in Equatorial Guinea. Their total natural habitat covers less than 40,000 square kilometres, and there are an estimated 3,000- to 4,000 drills left in the wild, which is decreasing due to habitat loss to give way for development and plantations. The baby male drill who was born on July 18 at Fota Wildlife Park. The young male is the offspring of nine-year-old mother Lewa and 10-year-old father Ekona. Picture: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO. Lead ranger, Teresa Power, said: 'We're absolutely thrilled to announce the birth of this baby drill, it's a first not only for Fota Wildlife Park but for Ireland as well. The drill is an incredibly rare and endangered species, so it's a real privilege to be part of the conservation and care of the species. 'Lewa, the new mother, is doing an excellent job. She's very protective, and the young male is nursing well, this is her first baby. For now, Lewa and the baby are being kept separate from the rest of the group, along with Banni, our younger female, who is both curious and attentive toward the new arrival. 'We're hopeful that Banni may give birth herself later this year, and she's already learning valuable maternal behaviours from observing Lewa. Visitors to Fota Wildlife Park may see the young monkey with his mother, at the purpose-built drill habitat and island. The baby male drill born on July 18 at Fota Wildlife Park. The young male is the offspring of nine-year-old mother Lewa and 10-year-old father Ekona. Picture: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO. 'Drill infants are born with a distinctive black cap of hair, which they usually lose around six months of age. They're quite precocious too — we often see them trying to wander off as early as two weeks old. 'Lewa, however, is quick to pull him back and keep him close. We plan to reunite the group once the baby is a little bigger and more independent.' Fota Wildlife Park is asking the public to help name the young male monkey, and to enter their suggestion by visiting for the chance to win a year-long conservation annual pass to the park.
