Longest deer tail judge ever saw

A case involving the shooting of a native red Killarney stag has been unresolved for three-and-a-half years since the offence and almost two years since it first came before the courts — prompting a judge to note it had “the longest tail” ever seen.

The animal, which had been highly protected and was part of “a unique” and ancient species, was shot outside Killarney in late 2011.

In September 2013, Richard Cullinane, aged 37, of Lisnacon, Kanturk, Co Cork, pleaded guilty to hunting and killing a red stag.