‘Zombie spiders’ found at big Irish beauty spot as experts say there could be MORE around country
‘ZOMBIE spiders’ have been found at an Irish beauty spot – and experts reckon there could be more around the country.
The rare insects were found in White Fathers Cave, which lies between Co Cavan and Co Fermanagh.
![Close-up of a spider on a rock.](https://www.thesun.ie/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/0021d667-800.webp?strip=all&w=800)
White Fathers Cave is part of an extensive network of cave systems.
Drawing in thousands of visitors every year, this cave offers a fascinating look at both cave formations and the region’s rich geological history.
And last week, speleologist Tim Fogg made an interesting discovery in the cave.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Tim explained that the common cave spider turns into a “zombie” when infected by a particular fungus.
The fungus forces the spider to leave its hiding spot in the walls, where it eventually dies, releasing spores that go on to infect more spiders.
He said: “The fungus kills them, and then their spores are released. Because they are out on the walls, the spores are blown about in the draft and therefore reinfect other spiders.”
The speleologist went on to say that even though the fungus lacks a nervous system or brain it can still control the spider’s behaviour using chemicals.
However, he said that this discovery should be celebrated.
He said: “Samples of this fungus have now been stored for medical research because all sorts of things are coming out of fungi in medical research that are helping us with various diseases, including cancer.”
Tim also pointed out that although this particular species of fungus hasn’t been found anywhere else, more samples could turn up across Ireland.
He added: “We’ve looked in Sligo, Cavan and Leitrim, and we found examples in most of those.
“I’m sure if we look harder, we can find them around other places.”
This comes after a popular Irish swimming spot has been issued with a major “red alert” after scientists spotted a swarm of rare jellyfish with a “painful sting” in the area.
RARE JELLYFISH SPOTTED
Lough Hyne in West Cork has seen an influx of Pelagia noctiluca jellyfish – a species commonly known as the Portuguese Man of War.
Scientists from University College Cork identified the creature and noted that it has a very painful sting.
Although the spot is popular with swimmers, visitors have been warned to stay out of the water while the jellyfish are present.
Swimming in the lough risks a painful sting.
Skiberdeen Heritage Centre took to social media to urge people to spread the word.
They stressed that swimmers should not enter the lake at this time.
Posting on Facebook, they said: “RED ALERT for Lough Hyne!
“UCC scientists have been in touch to say that there is an influx of stinging jellyfish in Lough Hyne (Pelagia noctiluca), and it is not advisable to swim there while they are present, as the sting would be very painful.
“Please spread the word…”
Beaming Princess Kate gets off school bus hand-in-hand with kids as she joins class on trip to art gallery
PRINCESS Kate has made her first appearance since sharing a photo taken by her son Prince Louis.
The Princess of Wales, 43, was joined by young children for an interactive trail at the National Portrait Gallery in London.
![Princess Catherine holding hands with a child.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/55-gmt-princess-wales-joins-969149470.jpg?strip=all&w=640)
![Princess Catherine walking with young children.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/55-gmt-princess-wales-joins-969149618.jpg?strip=all&w=632)
![The Princess of Wales with young schoolchildren.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/55-gmt-princess-wales-joins-969154751.jpg?strip=all&w=640)
The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood launched Kate’s Shaping Us Framework on Sunday.
The new project aims to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of social and emotional skills across society.
Pupils from All Souls CE Primary School in London will be the first children to take part in The Bobeam Tree Trail, which will see them journey through the Gallery.
It uses portraits as the basis for a range of activities and the trail is based on a magical tree, which has grown inside the National Portrait Gallery.
She accompanied them as they draw self-portraits – an exercise to encourage them to think about their own stories.
This is the first project to be created based on the new Shaping Us Framework from The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.
And her first Shaping Us engagement since November 2023.
The future Queen said in her foreword for a report outlining the framework: “Modern society is complex.
“At times, it can feel like the world is filled with mistrust and misunderstanding, leaving many people feeling isolated and vulnerable during difficult times.
“The impact of this, poor mental health, addiction and abuse, can be devastating, for individuals and for society.
“If we are to address this properly, if we are to find real, lasting solutions to these deep-rooted challenges and create a physically and mentally healthier society, we must reset, restore, and rebalance.
“We must invest in humankind.”
It comes after Kate released a photograph of herself to mark World Cancer Day taken by her six-year-old son Prince Louis.
Kate was snapped outdoors on a wintry day by the young royal, who appears to be following in the footsteps of his mother – who is a keen amateur photographer.
Word Cancer Day falls on Tuesday and in a social media post showing her image, and another of some ferns taken by the princess, she writes: “Don’t forget to nurture all that which lies beyond the disease.”
It was signed off with a C to show it was a message from the princess.
Kate is continuing to make a gradual return to royal duties after completing her cancer treatment last summer.
She carried out three royal engagements last week, but the events are not thought to indicate the princess is fully back to work.
![Princess Catherine holding a young girl's hand.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/55-gmt-princess-wales-joins-969154834.jpg?strip=all&w=640)
![Woman standing on a log in a forest with arms outstretched.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/princeandprincessofwales_1738598407_3559943923159107332_1642797659.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
![Frost-covered ferns with quote: "Don't forget to nurture all that which lies beyond the disease."](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/princeandprincessofwales_1738598407_3559943923167606306_1642797659.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
‘School shooter’ panic as ‘attacker opens fire with automatic weapon’ in Sweden sparking lockdown with ‘1 hospitalised’
SCHOOL shooter fears have been sparked in Sweden after an attacker reportedly opened fire with an automatic weapon.
Gunfire was reported at Risbergska School in the city of Örebro and at least one person has been hospitalised.
![Emergency vehicles and people outside a building following a shooting.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/shooter-threat-school-shooter-panic-969157168.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
![Emergency vehicles and bystanders at the scene of an incident.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/major-police-operation-underway-risbergska-969157577.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Five people were reportedly shot at the school in Västhaga district of the city, police have said.
A huge police operation was launched after gunfire was reported around midday on Tuesday.
Cops quickly placed a lockdown on the school and circled the grounds.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
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West Ham star whose ‘existence confuses me the most’ baffles fans in Chelsea clash as Cole Palmer trolled about him
CHELSEA fans were left baffled by West Ham’s trolling of Cole Palmer – in which they referenced one of their fringe players.
The travelling Hammers supporters mocked the England international after he blazed a shot over the bar in Monday night’s London derby.
![Cole Palmer of Chelsea scoring a goal.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/editorial-use-no-use-unauthorised-969142377.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
![Andy Irving of West Ham United dribbling the ball.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/editorial-use-no-use-unauthorised-969141879.jpg?strip=all&w=640)
Sections of the travelling supporters chanted “You’re just a s*** Andy Irving!” after Palmer’s effort flew high over the bar.
The chant was in reference to West Ham‘s Scotland international Irving, who was given a surprise start at Stamford Bridge.
And to say Blues fans were perplexed by the insult would be an understatement.
One of the Stamford Bridge faithful wrote on X: “I can’t stress enough that I mean no disrespect whatsoever – but who is Andy Irving?”
Another said: “I have no idea who this Andy Irving is.”
And another said: “Who is Andy Irving and why is every chant from the away end about him?”
One remarked: “I’m not even being sarcastic here. Who the f**k is Andy Irving?”
Another chimed in: “Andy Irving is the football player whose existence confuses me the most.
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![Chelsea's Moises Caicedo tackles West Ham's Andy Irving during a Premier League match.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/editorial-use-no-use-unauthorised-969142147.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
“Where has a 24-year-old Scottish midfielder who I’ve never heard of come from, now playing at Stamford Bridge for West Ham?”
Irving’s start at the Bridge marked only his tenth appearance for West Ham since he joined the east Londoners in the summer of 2023.
Hammers boss Graham Potter was full of praise for the Scot, saying: “His spirit and his application and I think his training performances have merited that start.
“Obviously, we lost Edson Alvarez quite late [to injury] so we had to adjust.
“I think the decision was clear for Andy because he’s trained really well and I think it’s important for the group to know that. I’m pleased with him.”
Chelsea ran out 2-1 winners in the London derby, with a Pedro Neto strike and an own goal from Aaron Wan-Bissaka moving them above Manchester City into fourth place.
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