Common Dolphin Rescue, River Moy, Ballina (23 June 2025)
A sincere thank you to everyone who responded to the stranding of a live common dolphin in the River Moy in Ballina earlier today (23 June). The dolphin had made its way upstream as far as the SS Crete Boom and became stranded on a sandbar at low tide, raising concern for its welfare. Common dolphins are a pelagic species of dolphin, much more familiar with open water than river systems or sandbars.
Many thanks to Rút Ní Labhraithrín and Edel for contacting our emergency hotline.
Special thanks to Garda Seanie Campbell, who swiftly liaised with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group’s (IWDG) Live Stranding Emergency Hotline and coordinated with locals on the scene. Garda Campbell also directed those present in the correct technique to lift the dolphin using a large sheet or tarp, helping ensure the animal was moved with care and minimal stress into a deeper channel.
With the support of a small boat guiding from behind, the dolphin was encouraged downstream, making steady progress hopefully back toward open water.
We are incredibly grateful to all involved for their quick thinking, teamwork, and compassion — and for giving this dolphin the best possible chance to return safely to the sea, callers and those who assisted the dolphin include: Rút Ní Labhraitrean, Edel, Garda Seanie Campbell, Rory Mc Stay, John Armstrong, Michael Cuffe, Declan Hennigan, Michéal O’Dowd
If you see a dolphin in distress, please call our emergency hotline on 097 28118. Advise those around you never to drag a dolphin by the tail or fins, and help keep the area quiet and calm. IWDG has a national network of trained volunteers ready to assist.
We are currently looking for additional volunteers in the Killala, Ballina, and Enniscrone areas to train with us and join our Live Stranding Network. If you’re based locally, comfortable around the sea, and interested in helping marine wildlife — we’d love to have you on board.
Want to get trained to help in these situations?
Join our next IWDG Cetacean Live Stranding Training Course on Saturday, July 5th in Killala Bay, Co. Mayo.
Learn best practices in first aid, animal handling, palliative care, and safe refloating techniques using life-sized models.
🕙 10am–5pm
📍 Bessie’s Bar, Kilcummin Harbour
🔗 Register here: Booking link
📷 Photos by: Rút Ní Labhraitrean, Seanie Campbell
🔔 Please remember:
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Never drag a dolphin by the tail — this can cause severe pain, stress, and life-ending injuries for the animal.
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If you see a dolphin in distress or stranded, call the IWDG Live Stranding Hotline: 097 28118.
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IWDG has a network of trained volunteers all around Ireland’s coast who can assist live stranded animals.