Meath family's goldfish survived in a barrel of water for over 20 years
Louise Walsh
A Meath family is wondering if their goldfish, won at a GAA fundraiser, are the oldest in Ireland after they have survived in an outside barrel of water for over 20 years.
The two fish are the only survivors out of 12 goldfish won at the event at St Mary's GAA Club in Donore just over 20 years ago by Diana Everard's son, Michael, when he was in nearby Knockcommon primary school.
The fish, who have no names, have survived heatwaves and extreme cold weather over the years and even managed to stave off unwanted advances of cats and birds.
Mum of three Diana says the family has no clue how the fish have survived so long, especially outdoors.
"My three children were in Knockcommon NS, and there was a fundraiser in St Mary's GAA Club.
"One of the mothers had lots of fish and I can't remember what they had to do to win one, but most children came home with a bag of fish. It's well over 20 years now since my children were at national school.
"My husband Pat got a big blue barrel and cut it in half, and they have been there ever since. The rest of them died, but these managed to survive and have grown over the years.
"They used to all have names, but I can't remember them, so my grandchildren are now deciding on new ones," she said.
The barrel has a mini bridge made out of tiles which the fish seem to shelter from the sun and Pat regularly cleans out their home and the fish, then covers the barrel with a thick netting to stop cats and birds from getting in.
"There have been days when it has been so cold that the water has frozen at the top, but the fish are still there underneath, swimming away. We feed them with pellets once a day, and they also eat flies and insects that get into the water.
"I'm not sure if they are the oldest fish in Ireland, but they must be up there in the top three," she laughed.
Local vet Sinead Kelly said that while she would have to see the fish to determine if they are goldfish, it is certainly unusual.
"I'd have to do my research and see them, but in my experience, it would be very unusual to see goldfish survive so long, especially outdoors."
