THE ENTIRE proceeds from the Paul Lynam Memorial Boat Competition, held at Howth, Co Dublin, were donated to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Hosted by Howth Sea Angling Club (HSAC), the competition, now in its second year, attracted a good contingent of club members and anglers from the Fingal area.
A small-craft warning had cast doubt on the competition all week; however, much to the delight of competitors, the warning was lifted within hours of start time and conditions remained good all day with winds of just force three to four.
Fishing east of the Bailey Lighthouse with Ray Connolly and Paul’s life-long friend Dave McCormack, we returned seven species including ray, gurnard, mackerel, and lesser and greater dogfish. A score-card system applied.
Tommy Squires, from Skerries, put in a magnificent performance to claim pole position. He was head and shoulders above his nearest rivals. Tommy is an accomplished angler and last year took silver in the European Federation of Sea Anglers’ Championships at Stromness in the Orkney Islands, Scotland
Paul Lynam was honorary secretary of HSAC for a number of years, and was very popular among his peers and enjoyed life to the full. He was also a fine angler. He drowned in a boating accident while out fishing.
Accepting a cheque for €800, Howth lifeboat chairman Russell Rafter said the RNLI was extremely grateful for the donation and went on: “The lifeboat counter-box in the angling centre regularly contributes the largest donation in the area.”
One of the world’s most dreaded invasive species, the Asian clam, has expanded its hold in Ireland’s rivers. It was discovered in the Barrow in April this year, and Dr Brian Hayden of Queen’s University Belfast has now identified an Asian clam shell below the bridge in Carrick-on-Shannon. The location of the most recent discovery is a cause for serious concern because of the ease with which the clam can disperse in a downstream direction. At the Carrick site, the majority of the specimens were juveniles. This would suggest the infestation was new, which should provide an opportunity for rapid action to control the species in the Shannon.
Dr Joe Caffrey, senior research officer with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), said: “This is a very serious development and could have implications for the natural ecology of the River Shannon. This clam can eliminate large components of native aquatic fauna and flora, will block intake pipes and interfere with recreational exploitation in infested rivers. I urge all water users to be vigilant and to report any sighting of Asian clam shells to IFI.”
Reservations for the coming season are invited for bonefishing Delphi-style on Abaco Island in the Bahamas. The Delphi Club in the Bahamas is a beautiful place, with great food and cellar, lovely pool and magnificent beach. Perfect for non-fishing partners. The fishing is great, too. The club re-opens on September 25th and offers great fly-fishing in glorious Bahamian weather.
Friends of Delphi (those who have stayed in Ireland or the Bahamas) are entitled to a substantial discount. And in October, two people can stay for the price of one for a week, including meals. For details, contact Peter Mantle at delphi.bahamas@gmail.com.
Having been at Delphi Club in the Bahamas this year, I can vouch that the entire experience was fantastic. (You can read my account in the June 12th issue of Go, the Irish Times travel supplement, or contact me below for a copy of the article.)
Belmullet Sea Angling Club and Broadhaven Bay Hotel held their 39th two-day angling festival last weekend. More than 40 anglers took part from England, Wales and Ireland. Species caught included pollock, whiting, ling, ray, cod and John Dory.
Results: 1, A Matterson; 2, K Walsh; 3, T Lally (all Belmullet SAC).
angling@irishtimes.com