Happy anniversary Fungie!Festivities as Dingle's most famous resident celebrates 25 years in his adopted home
There was a great cause of celebration in Dingle last Satuday as visitors and locals alike came together to pay homage to Dingle's most famous resident, Fungie the Dingle Dolphin, who this year celebrates his 25th year in his home in Dingle Harbour. Local fishermen and boat operators dressed up as pirates, offering trips to see Fungie in all his glory as he played and frolicked in the June sunshine last Saturday and Sunday. The wild bottle nose dolphin settled in Dingle in the 1980s and since then has become a regular fixture.
His exploits first came to the attention of fishermen when this dolphin began to play, jump and frolic with the boats out in the harbour.
Divers, water sports enthusiasts and local marine experts soon realised that this was no ordinary dolphin due to his playful and friendly demeanor and soon thousands began to flock to the town to witness the spectacle for themselves.
Local fishermen soon organised boat trips to go and visit with Fungie who failed to disappoint down through the years, delighting the countless numbers who made the trip out into the harbour to see him play and jump around the boats. Distinctively marked, Fungie has established himself in the hearts of Dingle's residents. Dolphins and whales are no strangers to Kerry's coastline as many come to its bountiful seas every year however there is no other documented account of a wild dolphin staying in the same place for so long.
Fungie has always been extremely friendly with humans displaying a unique personality. Despite his immense size as a fully mature bottle nose male dolphin, people have been amazed by his gentleness around children and the infirm. It is understood he shelters in some of the caves at the mouth of the harbour during stormy weather and often flanks ships and boats as they leave Dingle. He has also provided a major economic boost to the town over the years with literally thousands travelling to Dingle each year to visit him.
His contribution to the area was noted some years ago as a copper statue was erected in his honour at the entrance to Dingle Pier.
A friend to all, Fungie's place in Kerry's history is firmly cemented if the smiles on the faces of the children who caught a glimpse of him last weekend in Dingle is anything to go by!
Anyone who would like to visit Fungie may make inquiries by telephoning 066-9151967.
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