Sir, - I am trying to research the history of Sligo's roe deer.
Roe deer are not native to Ireland and, as far as is known, the only successful introductions were at Lissadell, Co Sligo, in the early 1870s, by Sir Henry GoreBooth. The deer flourished and eventually carried, for roe, some of the largest antlers in Europe; this is usually attributed to the land lying upon limestone. Because of their depredations on young forestry plantations, the animals were shot out on the estate in the early 20 century, the last probably having been despatched in 1905.
However, as individuals are known to have wandered up to 30 miles from Lissadell, they may have survived subsequently elsewhere for a time. Roe deer are woodland animals and there were, therefore, large stretches of suitable habitat well within 30 miles of Lissadell. There are unconfirmed rumours of roe being seen in Co. Sligo as late as the nineteen-forties.
I have researched all relevant papers in the Gore-Booth archive and have examined the specimens at Lissadell House.
I should be very grateful to hear from readers who have any knowledge of the Lissadell roe, or hold any newspaper cuttings or other documents pertaining to them, or who know anything about their survival elsewhere in the county. All letters will be answered and any document sent will be returned within seven days.
To save readers unnecessary bother, I should emphasise that it is roe deer in which I am interested and not other species. Formerly there were, for instance, herds of red and fallow deer in Co Sligo at Markree Castle and Coopershill. - Yours, etc.,
James Fairley, Luxor Gardens, Belfast BT5 5NB.