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The royal sturgeon has returned to Dingle, Co Kerry, after an absence of almost 46 years. Specimens of the fish --which at 400 million years old is considered the oldest species -- have just landed at Oceanworld Aquarium from Russia, where they will go on permanent display.
The last time a sturgeon showed up in the harbour was on April 2, 1966 and because of a decree by King Edward II dating back to 1445 that it be given to the king, queen or head of state, it was presented to President Eamon de Valera. |
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Its sale realised £400, which De Valera donated to the Poor Clare nuns in Kenmare.
The fish was the second to show up in the harbour that day after the first one literally got away. Local fisherman, John Francis Brosnan was only 19 on that fateful day when he incurred the wrath of skipper of 'The Morning Star', Joe Walsh.
"It was lying on the deck and we had been keeping it alive all day. There was a crowd on the pier and a film crew had just arrived," Mr Brosnan recalled. |
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