After searching high and low for his missing cow back in July, Meath farmer Sean Kelleher feared the worst and assumed she had drowned in Breakey Lough, the lake beside his land used by the cows during the hot weather.

However over the weekend, the real story of what happened to "Rambling Rose", as she's now known, came to light.

Last Sunday, Sean was "delighted and relieved" when a nearby neighbour rang him to say he had spotted the missing cow on an island in the middle of the lough. The neighbour had noticed a commotion on the island while out tending to his own cows, and fetched a pair of binoculars to investigate when he noticed the missing cow.

Eager to check on the animal's welfare, Sean contacted local man Kevin Carolan who owns a boat to go out to the island with hay and meal. Kevin was surprised to find not only a cow happy to see him, but a completely healthy two month old calf in her company. Sean was not surprised by the birth as he knew she was due to give birth in August when she went missing, but he was surprised that she had managed to give birth alone and keep the calf alive.

The island, which was so overgrown locals say nobody has been to it in over 60 years, was almost bare when they arrived as the starving cow ate the island's foliage and bark on the trees to stay alive.

Although Sean told the Irish Farmers Journal the island is "so idylic, she may not want to leave", Meath River Rescue have been recruited to transport Rambling Rose and her calf, named 'Sunday' using the Robinson Crusoe naming technique, back to the mainland.

Chairman for Meath River Rescue, Christopher Rennicks told the Irish Farmers Journal they met on Monday evening with the farmer to make arrangements for the move, which will happen on Saturday morning. Rennick said they will sedate the calf, while the cow will be harnessed, as the water isn't too deep. Rescuing animals is nothing unusual for the team as they are often called on to help animals that get stuck in water, Rennick said.

Sean said he is consulting his vet and will monitor the cow as she changes from her diet of the island vegetation in the coming weeks. The farmer said his beloved cow which has become a celebrity after her ordeal will be available for appearances free of charge.