The pupils and staff at Taughmaconnell NS were delighted recently to find a new addition to the school community – a female pine marten. The pine martin had taken up residence in the South Roscommon school’s attic, and was a huge source of excitement. Deputy principal Nicola Cassells told the Herald that once the pine marten’s presence was discovered, they contacted Roscommon Conservation Ranger, Ethan Devaney. “But she was eventually caught.”She added that once they knew about their visitor, the school took the opportunity to learn all about this rare, native mammal. “Pine martens are small, and more numerous in Connacht than anywhere else in the country.

Source: The Herald February 18, 2026 18:15 UTC