ANGLING NOTES:OFTEN referred to as the "University of Fishing", Rory's of Temple Bar, Dublin, yesterday celebrated 50 magical years in the fishing tackle business. Situated in the hub of the city's art and tourism centre, Rory's has gained iconic standing to take pride of place among the hustle and bustle of city life. The name Rory Harkin is renowned within the angling fraternity and is respected throughout Ireland and beyond.
Temple Bar was the birthplace of the 18th century parliamentarian Henry Grattan, and while not quite around to be patronised by the great patriot, the shop is the oldest in the area and the longest-serving tackle dealer with the same name in Dublin. “At the time the area was a no-go area,” says Rory.
He moved to Temple Bar at the tender age of 20, having gained his “apprenticeship” in Elverys running the fishing tackle section. “My father, Patrick, a chief engineer with the ESB in Fleet Street, coaxed me into renting a vacant shop on the corner of 17A, and the rest is history,” he says.
The shop has stood the test of time including a near takeover of the area by CIE in the 1970s to build a major bus depot; near closure during the three-year “rod licence war” in the 1980s, and during the shutdown of lakes and rivers during the foot and mouth outbreak in 2000.
“Somehow, we kept going. We’ve had some good times, too,” he points out. “Like, for instance, the foreign nationals who take a huge interest in angling.”
I first joined forces with Rory back in the 1980s to run a series of successful shore competitions in Greystones, Co Wicklow. The drawing power of this man was evident with the turnout that “tipped the scales” at 182 anglers all eager to compete. We have remained good friends ever since.
I remember the time after a day’s fishing he invited me back for dinner. Rory’s wife, Miriam, greeted me with open arms and served up the biggest steak I have ever seen. An absolute doorstep. She was also a regular in the shop and great for a chat and a cup of tea.
Rory tells the story of their bungalow in Cloghans overlooking Lough Conn. Miriam would see him turning into the bay after a day’s fishing and begin to prepare the dinner. Sadly, Miriam died two years ago after a long illness bravely borne.
The Dodder Anglers’ Association (DAA) has played a huge part in Rory’s life. Indeed, as a founder member, the first meeting of the club was held in his sitting-room. It, too, celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. “But for Rory the Dodder Anglers may not now exist,” says DAA secretary Redmond O’Hanlon.
In his heyday, Rory was a keen sportsman and still is. Besides angling, he ran marathons for disabled anglers in Belfast, London, New York and Dublin, and cycled for Leinster with the Eagles Team. “Some mornings on my way into work I stop off for a quick swim in the 40 Foot”, he adds.
“Salmon and trout are my passion, but I have dabbled in coarse and sea angling, too.” In 1973, he captained the winning home international fly-fishing team and has qualified for the inter-provincial team. He is also an excellent fly-tyer.
Exotic fishing trips have included Iceland for salmon; Argentina for sea trout; Cuba for bone fishing; Canada for Pacific salmon; Sweden and Gambia.
“Scotland is my second home at this stage. Along with my daughter Mary, we look forward to salmon fishing on the Tweed every year.”
This year marks a turning point for the Harkins. Heiress to the throne, Mary, will take over the running of the shop. No stranger to fishing she has represented Ireland on the 2001 inter-provincial team and 13 occasions on the ladies international team. “I have no problem handing over the reins to Mary. She is extremely capable and knows ‘all the ropes’. It will allow me more time to go fishing,” he says with a smile.
Rory’s 50th Anniversary sale continues throughout February with up to 50 per cent discount on many items. See rorys.ie
- Dodder Anglers’ Association will hold its AGM in De La Salle School Hall, Churchtown, tonight at 7.30 pm.
- Hooked Live! will host an angling show in the Citywest Convention Centre this coming Saturday and Sunday. The weekend will include appearances by Paul Young, Andrew Ryan, Scott McKenzie, Henry Gilbey, Peter O’Reilly and Jim Hendrick. Tickets available at 01-2947765 or mark.ryan@mediateam.ie.