3 little piggies safe in Kildare after island rescue

These three piglets dramatically rescued from an island are now being cared for in Co Kildare.

Athlone Sub Aqua Club helped evacuate the animals on Thursday evening after they were found stranded on a piece of land on the River Shannon.

Athlone woman Cheryl Mellett told the Irish Mail on Sunday: 'They were spotted by fishermen on an island known locally as Carbury Island which is uninhabited.

"The owner of the island, who raised the alarm, had no idea where they came from and assumed they were dumped.

"I used to be a member of the local sub aqua club so I contacted them."

"The team managed to catch them with some nets and we got them to shore.

"The pigs were found to be malnourished, but they are now being care for."

She added: 'They are currently in Kildare at Littlehill Animal Rescue... I was relieved we got them as come winter most of that island will be underwater."