We were saddned to hear of the recent passing of Des Johnston. We just received the following passage that was circulated to the angling community during the week.

It is with great sadness we would like to notify you of the passing of Des Johnston. Des passed away on Sunday morning after a short illness surrounded by his family. He was 84.

Des was a member of many angling clubs countrywide, and was Hon Secretary of Kilbride Anglers for 25 years. He also served as President of Co Wicklow Anglers Association and a committee member of Brittas Fly Fishing Club.

Des was a very familiar face on the lakes all year round with his wife and fishing companion Ann.

Des will be missed on lots of waters. He was a regular visitor to Lough Mask, Lough Curranne and also Sheelin, Ennell, Corrib and Inagh.

A keen sailing enthusiast he had links with Sutton Dinghy Club and also Howth Yacht Club.

In Sutton where he lived as a teenager and in his 20’s he met Ann and they spent their time sailing and sea fishing. He was lucky to live only 25 metres from the beach where he enjoyed time Bass fishing. In winter he was a keen and active pike angler.

He had a particular interest in getting kids fishing and was active organising competitions in several clubs for them.
Due to current Covid restrictions the family were limited to numbers for Des’s funeral.

Des is survived by his wife Ann, children Andrew, Sarah, Leah and Richard, and also grandchildren Susan, Michelle, Jake, Leah, David, Meisha, Lien, Daisy and Noah.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm dílis