The annual Lisdoonvarna Fanore International Angling Week was held over the first week of August, with 4 competitions over the week on various rock marks in north Clare. There was fierce competition, but all in friendly spirits, as anglers returned to their haunts, many for the first time since before Covid.

Some fantastic fish were landed over the week, including some decent conger eels, with plenty of wrasse, pollack and smaller species too. Most impressive, however, were some of the tope, which must have given some great sport!

Cian Egan with a nice tope off the rocks
Joe Byrne with a decent fish
A strap conger for this angler
A fine ballan wrasse
And another one

After 4 days of competition, friendly banter, and we’re sure a few pints of refreshments, the overall winner was Kinvara man Mike Curtin, no stranger to the winner’s podium at this festival! Mike had a very impressive score of 421 points, well ahead of the field.

In second place was Sean Copley, with 257 points, while Joe Ryan took third on 236, just one point ahead of Fionn Byrne. Wexford angler Joe Byrne was 5th on 227.

The winning team again featured Mike Curtin, joined by Fionn Byrne and Jim Whitty. Well done all!

Getting bigger – a nice conger
Joe Birney looking comfortable, and catching pollack too!

Overall winner Mike Curtin with a lovely tope

Go Fishing

Lisdoonvarna Fanore SAC is an active sea angling based in north Clare. They hold regular competitions and outings throughout the year, with the highlight being the International Week around the August bank holiday weekend. New members are always welcome. Check them out here to get in touch.