The story of Tory Island’s cattle to feature on RTÉ this Thursday

Tory Island will take centre stage in episode 5 of Ear to the Ground this Thursday at 7pm on RTÉ 1. 

Earlier this year, the Gaeltacht island, made the headlines when it became home to a group of Galloway heifers for the first time in over quarter a century as part of the Corncrake LIFE Project. 

The group of 5 young Galloway Heifers made the 9-mile trip from the mainland to Tory in July.  

Ella Mc Sweeney made that journey with them from Seanie Boyle’s farm where they were raised, onto the ferry and across the sea to Tory, where they were warmly welcomed by the locals with music and singing. 

Speaking on behalf of Corncrake Ireland, at the time, Caitríona Ní Cheallaigh said it was hoped the initiative which has been carried out with the permission and cooperation of landowners will invigorate the practice of traditional farming on the island.

Watch cattle arrive at their final destination in pasture new on Tory Island

“We are hoping more people will get involved. It can be done with the cooperation of landowners to renew traditional farming practices,” she said, adding that farm management is key to conservation.

The initiative is open to all islanders who can participate in the project.