Community praised for response in saving stranded dolphin on Ballybunion beach

The community has been praised for its efforts in saving a dolphin which washed up on Ballybunion beach.

Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) received a call to its stranding hotline on Thursday afternoon of a striped dolphin beached on the Long Strand, Ballybunion.

Members of the Ballybunion Sea and Cliff Rescue were tasked to the scene, and with support from dozens of passersby assisted in refloating the dolphin back into the sea.

The IWDG says striped dolphins are a warm-water, offshore species.

It says if you see a live stranded animal, never drag it by its tail, and call the IWDG Live Stranding Hotline on 097 28118.