DOLPHINS' YARN

RTE two-parter reveals secrets of Irish Flippers

- BY NICOLA DONNELLY

A NEW RTE One documentary reveals mankind's relationship with dolphins and what is increasingly threatening their survival.

Dolphins ~ Wonders of the Ocean, which was filmed over 20 years, even captured for the first time footage of these incredible mammals feeding.

Clare man Ken O'Sullivan, who become an underwater cameraman over 20 years ago, recalled tracking his first dolphin - named after the singer Dusty Springfield.

He said: “Dusty, whose real name was Mary O'Brien, had big Irish connections. Her dying wish was to have her ashes scattered off the Cliffs of Moher.

“And literally a couple of weeks later, a female dolphin showed up so we called her ‘Dusty’ and she’s still around.

“It was an incredible experience to see an animal like this, just off the shore in your home place”

COAST