(Picture: John O'Connell)

Local fishermen in the area are being requested to see that they remove all fishing equipment from the river after they have finished – as a recent incident involving a swan, highlights the danger of leaving fishing hooks and lines in the water. 

Recently, local man Pat Quinlan rescued a swan from the River Blackwater near Fermoy after a fishing hook became stuck in the bird’s neck.

Mr Quinlan brought the swan to Duntahane Veterinary Clinic where it was treated by Niall McMahon, free of charge.

He then spent time watching the swan after it was returned to the river to ensure it was okay. Gladly, the swan got over its ordeal but The Avondhu understands it was very hungy as it couldn’t feed.

The resultant meal of bread given to the bird by Pat was, it would appear, most welcome.