The remains of an Irish elk or giant red deer have been found for the second time in Kilkenny.
Thomas Egan from Ballykeefe County Kilkenny made a surprising discovery when he unearthed animal bones on his farm eighteen years ago. At the time they were a complete mystery to him.
I didn't really know what it belonged to.
The National Museum confirmed that they were in fact belonging to an extinct species the Irish elk and 10,500 years old. Further information from a local schoolteacher and the Kilkenny People newspaper helped get a clearer picture of the Irish elk and its environment.
Recently the intact head and antlers of another Irish elk was discovered again by Thomas Egan, which means they now are in the possession of an almost complete elk skeleton. According to Mary Egan,
We were really delighted.
A Canadian lady made them an offer for the head of the first elk, which they have still not found, but the bones will remain in County Kilkenny for the moment.
We'd like to hold onto it ourselves.
A 'Tangents' report broadcast on 14 November 1973. The reporter is Janet Moody.
A miscellany of events, entertainment, opinions and personalities, 'Tangents' was first aired on Monday 25 September, 1972 and ran until 1974. Tangents was presented by Cathal O'Shannon and Doireann Ní Bhriain on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and by John O'Donoghue each Tuesday.
