High hopes for latest batch of eaglets

WITH a fair north-westerly wind behind them, nine white-tailed eaglets flapped their wings and flew tentatively into skies over Killarney Lakes yesterday.

They are the latest batch of eaglets to be released in Killarney National Park as part of a five-year reintroduction programme and a further 13 will be set free next week.

Since the project began in 2007, 64 eagles have been released in the park, but 14 have died including seven from illegal poisoning.