The mystery of a swan's death in County Offaly

The commonest cause of death in mute swans is collision with cables when flying.  A swan’s eyes, located at the sides of the head, give it virtual all-round vision, warning it of impending attack by predators. But it can’t see well in front of it and may not notice a cable until it’s too late to avoid a collision

A mute swan and her five cygnets search for food the in the shallow stream at Marina Park, Ballintemple, Cork in bright sunshine. File picture: Larry Cummins

… one of the simplest things of all, and the most fundamental, is violent death — Ernest Hemmingway. Death in the Afternoon

A swan was found dead at Connolly Park, a residential area of Tullamore, on April 7. County Council staff removed the carcass. According to Ger Scully of the Offaly Express, the Forest and Wildlife Service is investigating.