Ducks to be re-introduced to Edenderry Harbour tomorrow

Readers were disgusted to hear of more than 20 ducks being beheaded in Edenderry in early October, with their bodies taken away and their heads left at what had been a family-friendly duck-feeding area at Edenderry Harbour.

Soon after the Offaly Regional Game Council offered to re-stock the harbour, and the Offaly Independent is pleased to reveal that group is to introduce 40 ducks to the harbour area in Edenderry tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 10am.

Speaking to the Offaly Independent Edenderry councillor and chair of the local Tidy Towns group Noel Cribbin said locals are more than welcome to come down to the harbour tomorrow morning to welcome the ducks to their new home at what’s being dubbed “Duckingham Palace”.

The 40 new ducks, including a variety of breeds, will join up to eight ducks that have returned to the area after previously being frightened off along with two swans.

“We’re very grateful to the Offaly Regional Game Council,” Cllr Cribbin said this week, adding that he hopes the new ducks will “have a good and long life in Edenderry”.

Cllr Cribbin himself bought the first batch of 20 ducks that were introduced to the harbour in Edenderry about seven years ago. Until earlier this year feeding the mix of mallards and flightless farmyard ducks was an enjoyable activity for locals, and Cllr Cribbin said he hopes the feeding the ducks can once more become a local pastime after this weekend.