In the last couple of years in N Ireland, Antrim, there was a spate of sightings, which actually
spilt over into the Republic, mainly County Monaghan. The British Army were
called in to try and catch the cat in the North, (there were similar scenes
outside a little place called Tully in Monaghan).
After a few days the army suddenly and without warning abandoned their search
stating that they believed there was no cat loose.
Although locals believed differently and were prepared to say so on national
Television. They say that if the army saw nothing then what was it they were
actually shooting at while out on the search. This was apparenty witnessed by
several people.
"Leaked sources" (don't know :) also state that the army did actually kill an
animal, but because it was so big and "unusual" not knowing what it was (?)
they decided to keep the incident quiet so as not to cause panic.
If
anyone knows, or has anyone further information on this, I would be happy to
hear from them. In fact any sightings, incidents from Ireland north or south
would be welcomed.