Poachers warned off as 72-acre Clare property becomes sanctuary

A Co Clare millionaire is to transform his spectacular 72-acre property into a wildlife sanctuary and has told poachers to keep out or risk having their weapons taken.

Clarecastle farmer and businessman JJ McCabe, who made €18.8m from the sale of 48 acres of farmland during the height of the property boom, says he has installed video cameras in the trees on the grounds of his Georgian mansion, Carnelly House, and will actively try to catch any hunters who enter the property illegally.

Mr McCabe, who has run as an Independent candidate in six local and national election in Clare, purchased the property, including its nine-bed Georgian mansion, for €660,000 in late 2013.