By Rob Lenihan A study of fossils found in the Sahara opens new possibilities for profitable fresh-water monster legend. On August 22, 565 AD, the Irish abbot and missionary Columba had what many believe was the first recorded encounter with The Loch Ness monster. Columba sent “the water beast” packing that day by making the sign of the cross, but the Loch Ness monster didn’t stay gone for long, as stories and sightings have continued through the centuries. The latest news about Nessie concerns a discovery in the Sahara Desert, which admittedly is a long haul from Scotland. ‘It’s Plausible’Res…