Dr Martin O’Grady: Inland Fisheries veteran to lecture in biology and environmental science at UCD

UNIVERSITY College Dublin has appointed Dr Martin O’Grady to the post of adjunct professor in their school of biology and environmental science. An employee of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) for more than 35 years, Dr O’Grady is a European expert in fisheries, particulararly freshwater fish populations and salmonid riverine enhancement programmes.

The appointment is a reflection of his high standard of research programmes and his expertise will make a significant input to research and teaching activity in UCD.

Fisheries Minister Fergus O’Dowd said, “Dr O’Grady’s appointment reinforces the world-class standard of research programmes undertaken in IFI. The assignment recognises his proven status as a leading European expert in fisheries research and will strengthen the well-established scientific links between UCD and IFI.”

No compulsory charge
Clare Senator Tony Mulcahy has received confirmation from the Minister of State for Natural Resources, Fergus O'Dowd, that a compulsory charge for anglers will not be introduced in the context of the proposed new inland fisheries legislation.

“The Minister has confirmed that there is no such proposal for consideration. There are no predetermined proposals for new legislation and the consultation process is ongoing. The Minister made it clear that he wishes to see the fullest possible level of consensus before any proposals are finalised.

“He also gave a commitment that no proposal will be finalised until the current round of inter-federation discussions are complete, and that he will not facilitate any proposals which might be a source of division within the sector,” Senator Mulcahy said.

Lesson in fly-casting
Many thanks to Paddy McDonnell for his recent guiding and fly-casting tuition. My spey casting has never been better following two days of hard grafting on East Mayo Anglers' Waters in search of the elusive springer without success.

Paddy is an Apgai Gaia FFF master fly-casting instructor and top guide, and can be contacted at 087-412 3235 or bluecharm@eircom.net.

Fishing on the Moy picked up last week with fresh spring fish caught throughout the system. Derek Doyle, from Co Wicklow, caught the first fly- caught salmon on East Mayo Anglers' Water and Pat Doherty Jnr was also successful with two fish of 3.8kg and 4.5kg, both on spinner. Conditions are now perfect, with falling water levels and mild temperatures.
Catches on Carrowmore
The good salmon-fishing continued on Carrowmore Lake with 14 reported of which six were released. Dave Cazabon from Westport caught the heaviest so far with a springer of 5.9kg. Successful flies included Clan Chief, Green Peter and shrimp patterns ranging from sizes 12 to four.

For bookings, contact Seamus Henry on 097-83487. Note: Carrowmore Lake is a brown tag fishery this year.

Sheelin groovy
On Sheelin the areas that fished well included Holywell, Chambers, Merry Pt Crover, Chambers, Kilnahard and the western shore. Despite rough waters on Sunday over 70 anglers fished with good catches ranging from .6kg to 1.6kg.

Throughout the week it was mainly Sooty Olives and Dabblers that were successful, however, the Fiery Brown, Golden Olive and Peter Ross patterns also featured strongly.

Next Saturday the Ulster Competition will be hosted on Sheelin. To enter anglers must be a member of Lough Sheelin Trout Protection Association or affiliated to a Northern Ireland trout angling club. For further information, contact Thomas Lynch at 087-913 2033.

angling@irishtimes.com