"A slippery start to 2019".

It may be a little early for St Patrick but it looks like his services could be needed in the south of the country this week. A snake was found on a beach in Co Cork yesterday. The reptile, measuring 1.5 metres (over 4 feet 11 inches) in length was discovered close to the boardwalk on Youghal Beach yesterday. It was initially thought to be a turtle-headed sea snake - a highly venomous breed - but was later revealed to be a California kingsnake. This distintictive-looking snake is native to the west coast of North America. It is not venomous but is believed to have the strongest squeeze of any snake proportionate to its body size. The snake was taken away from the beach by a member of Cork County Council staff who we can only assume pulled a short straw. "While walking the beach today a member of Youghal Coast Guard spotted a snake 1.5 metres in length near the board walk," Youghal Coast Guard wrote on Facebook. "MRCC Dublin were contacted and subsequently Cork County Council. "The snake is thought to be a Turtle headed Sea Snake. "The snake was removed by Cork County Council staff." The Irish Coast Guard also posted about the discovery, writing; "A slippery start to 2019 for the Irish Coast Guard team in Youghal with the discovery of a sea snake."