Thieves take 50 canaries from aviaries

HEARTLESS thieves have devastated two elderly bird breeders in Limerick by taking almost 50 canaries from aviaries at the rear of adjoining houses.

The canaries had been bred by Frank Carroll and his friend and neighbour, Richard “Mickey” McMahon who live next to each other at Garryowen.

Frank, 78, said: “I started breeding canaries with my father when I was a child. I have been living here in Garryowen for the 48 years and nothing like this has ever happened before.”

Thieves struck late at night, it emerged.

Mr Carroll, meanwhile, said he had taken up breeding canaries at a very young age and now he had lost his entire breeding stock.

He and Mr McMahon have been offered replacement canaries by other bird breeders in Limerick who have heard of the thefts.

He said: “I hope to start breeding again with some new canaries.”

It is believed canaries can make up to €20 each.

Sgt Seamus O’Neill of Henry Street has requested members public, offered canaries for sale from unlikely sources, to contact Gardaí at 061-212400.