REFLECTIONS ON A RARE BASKING SHARK ENCOUNTER
August 2020
Dr. Simon Berrow narrates his experience with basking sharks in the fall off West Clare. The species is often seen feeding in this area in the spring - but the seasonal timing of this experience was not the only unusual component...
© Alexandra McInturf
SHARKS | Colm Doesn't Cille
SUPPORT:
Scoil Chomcille, Glengad
TEACHER: MARY HARKIN
DESCRIPTION
Colm Doesn't Cille was a 4m shark with distinctive vertical white scarring lines on the port (left) side of the dorsal fin. Its size suggests that this shark was a juvenile. It was tagged in the early morning calm south of Lenan Head, which is well within the mouth of Lough Swilly. It did not surface again following tagging.
Colm doesn't Cille fin picture
© E. Johnston 2012
THE NAME
‘Colm Doesn’t Cille’ is a reference to Colmcille, a famous Donegal monk who brought Christianity to Scotland. Like some of our tagged basking sharks, he travelled north from Inishowen’s shores to the western isles of Scotland. It is a most suitable name for the Glengad shark because on clear days, Scotland (specifically Islay, Colonsay and the Paps of Jura) is visible from the windows and front doors of this coastal community, including the local community school.