Colin Harty from Galway Bay SAC is the new Connacht Closed Gold Medal winner, following last weekend’s series of competitions. 

This past weekend, the beaches of Galway Bay became the backdrop for the much-anticipated Connaught Closed Gold Competition, hosted by Galway Bay SAC. The event spanned three distinct legs across the region’s renowned angling spots.
Leg 1: Lettergesh Beach – 21st October
Starting off on Lettergesh Beach, the gentle easterly breeze coupled with overcast conditions set the tone for the competition’s beginning. Kevin O’Hara made a flying start, with 322 points to take the leg win, while the rest of the competitors struggled for fish. Brian Reidy and Colin Harty were tied 2nd.
Small turbot, wonderfully camouflaged for a sandy bottom
Leg 2: Renvyle – 21st October (6-10pm)
As the evening drew in, Renvyle witnessed our competitors angling under the cover of darkness, bringing its own set of challenges and excitement. Colin Harty was a machine on the night, registering an impressive 1174 points, over 400 ahead of Eoin Joyce in 2nd, with Fiachra McKenna taking 3rd.
Leg 3: Glasillaun Beach – 22nd October
Glasillaun Beach, with its sunny intervals and a light northwesterly wind, provided a fitting conclusion to the competition. It was all to play for, but fish were very scarce, and veteran Sean Ivory eked out the win with 50 points, ahead of Colin aand Tom Keal, the only undr-23 competitor.
With the leg scores totted up, Colin Harty emerged as the clear winner. Colin has fished very consistently all year, adding the gold medal now to the club master angler title in Galway Bay.
Colin Harty (left) is presented with the Connacht Closed trophy by Brian Reidy
Sean Ivory finished in 2nd place, with Kevin O’Hara in third. The Connacht team for 2024 will be Colin, Sean, Kevin, Brian Reidy and Eoin Joyce.
The Connacht team (l-r): Brian Reidy, Kevin O’Hara, Colin Harty, Sean Ivory, Eoin Joyce

 

Go Fishing

Galway Bay Sea Angling Club is a progressive club based in Galway, but fishing competitions along the west coast. New members are always welcome, and every level of experience is catered for, with social outings right up to competitions held throughout the year. If you’re looking to get into sea angling in the west, check them out here