The well-publicised deer cull in Killarney National Park could boost calls for similar action against grey seals which, fishermen claim, are now out of control because of population growth and are damaging livelihoods.

Sitting high on the cliffs of eastern Inishvickillane the view eastwards to the other Blaskets is simply extraordinary, writes Dan MacCarthy.

IT’S commonplace nowadays to hear concerns about the impact of large numbers of visitors on wild places, writes Donal Hickey.

It is a place of worship, but not in the traditional sense. The towering cliffs of Inishnabro are known as the cathedral rocks as they resemble a magnificent church. Some, but not many, have come to kneel at their altar, writes Dan MacCarthy.

Anyone growing up in the rugged splendour of the Dingle Peninsula must surely be moulded and inspired by such surroundings, as the late footballer and native son, Paidí Ó Sé, often opined.

I DON’T think I’ve ever had a bad weekend in Dingle — and I’ve been visiting there since before Fungi, the Dingle dolphin made it his home.

MIKE CARNEY describes his birthplace as the ‘’most beautiful place on earth’’.

The ruins of an old schoolhouse on the historic Great Blasket Island are soon expected to be in state ownership.

TONNES of haddock, pollock and cod were dumped yesterday after seals ravaged fishermen’s catches and equipment in Dingle harbour.

FOR all the hype, fanfare and hectic schedules surrounding the build-up to the Rose of Tralee, Daithí O Sé is a relieved man.

INISVICKILLANE, one of the Blasket islands, is generally known for its association with ex-Taoiseach Charlie Haughey who bought it as a holiday retreat.

THE Haughey clan yesterday turned out in force for Dingle Regatta, blessed by unusually fine weather.

Donal Hickey on protecting wildlife on the Blaskets.

THE possible arrival of rats on the Great Blasket Island could have “devastating consequences” for seabird colonies there, a BirdWatch Ireland expert warned.

A SENIOR Kerry County Council engineer yesterday rejected a claim of “collusion” between the council and the promoters of a planned cafe on the Great Blasket Island.

Donal Hickey on the resurgence of interest in currachs

OWNERS of the historic Great Blasket island in Kerry are understood to be on the brink of a purchase agreement with the Government, though the granting of planning permission for development on the island is still a key issue.

A SKIBBEREEN-BORN actor who once scaled the heights in Hollywood, starring alongside such immortals as Vivien Leigh and Burt Lancaster has died.

A NEW film may go some way towards restoring the seal as a loved and esteemed creature in Ireland.

A WORLD removed from the pomp and ceremony of Mr Haughey’s State funeral in Dublin, fishermen in Dingle yesterday bid farewell to the ex-Taoiseach in their own way.

COLD water is continuing to be poured over an €8.5m development plan for the Great Blasket island.

I AM appalled at the killing of the defenceless seals on the Blasket islands and at the silence of people in Kerry about the identities of the killers.

THE ruthless killers of the Blasket island seals have a powerful advantage in their efforts to evade justice — a conspiracy of silence.

I AM writing to let you know of my disgust about the poor seals on the Blasket islands.