Lorcan’s luck changes for the better with Orlaith

A BIG-HEARTED teenager has adopted a donkey which survived appalling treatment as a foal.

Animal lover Orlaith McSweeney from Waterford won a national competition to sponsor a donkey at a rescue centre in Co Cork. The 18-year-old student from Williamstown opted for Lorcan, a 10-year-old rescued by the donkey sanctuary in Liscarroll, Mallow.

The centre’s office manager Debbie Barrett yesterday said: “As a 10-year-old, Lorcan was chased by a gang of youths in Galway into barbed wire and his ears ended up being partly severed. He is not in any pain now but the injury will affect him for the rest of his life.”

Orlaith became Lorcan’s new owner after winning the Ribena Shrek 2 Win a Donkey competition promotion.

Ms Barrett said: “Orlaith was overjoyed. She’s been to the sanctuary before and its great to see the prize going to someone who loves animals.”

Lorcan will remain at the centre where there are upwards of 400 donkeys being looked after by the voluntary group.

“Lorcan was one of four donkeys on a long-running adoption scheme which helps to raise funds for the centre.

“Orlaith was given an adoption pack which contained images of the donkey, its history and general information about the centre.”