Four rare peregrine falcons in Limerick are regarded as the No 1 enemies of local pigeon-fanciers. The falcons are nesting in the 300 ft bell-tower of St John's Cathedral.
The birds are popular with local people, but St Mary's Racing Pigeon Club members claim they are killing their birds for food just as the racing season is at its height.
A spokesman for the club said as many as 10 pigeons are being killed every day.
As a protected species, falcons cannot be touched, and experts point out that it is quite rare to have a family of peregrines in the city.
The cathedral spire probably reminds the birds of a seaside cliff ledge, said one expert.
The parent falcons have lived in the cathedral tower for a number of years, but this would appear to be the first year they have bred with success.
During the week the two younger birds in one of their first flights got stuck in the cathedral gutter and had to be rescued by Limerick fire service.