A massive 75ft fin whale has been found washed up on a beach in Kerry.
UCC President John O'Halloran shared a series of photos online showing the huge animal on Baile Uí Chuill Strand in Ballinskelligs.
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) are aware of the washed-up whale and have confirmed that it is a male. While originally believed to be some 60ft long, after a careful examination by the IWDG it was discovered that the creature measures a colossal 75ft.
READ MORE: Met Éireann issues fresh Ireland weather warning with brutal conditions to lash 17 counties
CorkBeo reported that Prof O'Halloran said it was sad to see such a 'magnificent' animal washed up on the beach, commenting on the whale's extraordinary size and beauty.
Fin whales are the second largest of their species, behind only the famous blue whale. These animals can grow up to 85ft long and live for between 80 and 90 years.
A smaller fin whale washed up in East Yorkshire over in the UK earlier this year and authorities described the animal's removal as a 'challenging operation'.
With the whale in Kerry measuring in at 20ft longer than its UK counterpart, removing the body will certainly be a tough task.
University College Cork has a storied history when it comes to research into marine life with one of the college's researchers helping to identify a new species of whale last year.
