Multiple births in cows are rare but soaring in County Kerry.
Farmer Francy Doherty was amazed when Raquel, one of his Friesian cows, gave birth to three healthy whitehead calves. The whitehead bull Curley is proud father to the triplets named Daz, Persil and Omo.
Among the first visitors to see the calves on their uncle's farm in Headford, County Kerry are two year old triplets Marissa, Denis and Jake.
Francy Doherty had no idea Raquel was expecting triplets, but when she had difficulty giving birth, veterinarian surgeon Jerry Meyers was called to the farm. He safely delivered all three calves. Previously Jerry Meyers delivered triple births but on both occasions the calves were born dead.
It’s rare to get them alive.
The fate for Daz, Persil and Omo will follow that of all the newborn calves born on Francy Doherty's farm. All three will be heading to the mart, but not for slaughter.
Meanwhile on the Gleeson family farm in Ballyheigue, County Kerry, one of farmer Michael Gleeson’s cows calved quadruplets. After he delivered the third calf the vet asked Noreen Gleeson,
What would you bet you there’s a fourth one there?
The four calves are now adored family pets and go by the names Pluto, Cosmo Gizmo and Reno.
A 'Nationwide’ report broadcast on 9 April 1997. The reporter is Jennie O Sullivan.
