Pat & Mark Shortt, National Boat Recorders, report on the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers Findlater and Inter-Provincial Competition fished at Mullaghmore – May 20th & 21st 2023…
Inter-Provincial
Two competitions took place this weekend. The Inter-Provincial saw the 4 Provincial Teams competing on Saturday, and the 2023 Findlater Competition had 28 anglers competing over the Saturday and Sunday. Weather conditions were very promising with calm seas and only light rain on the Saturday. The baits were 60 rag per angler and mackerel.
On Saturday 4 boats headed out and the first 3 hours was on the drift. Fish were coming in steadily with Pollock, Ballan and Cuckoo Wrasse being the main species. Mackerel showed up in numbers and at times were hard to get through. The 2nd three hours were on anchor, and while this started off well, the fishing got tougher with way fewer fish being caught.

At the end of the day, having counted up the scores, Ulster were the champions beating Munster by 7.69%, Leinster were 3rd and Connaught 4th. The scores were Ulster 337.58%, Munster 329.89%, Leinster 294.36% and Connaught 229.14%. Many congrats to David McCormick, Uel Moore, Mark Devir, Aidy Herrity and Marc O’Connor.
Findlater Competition
In the Findlater Competition there were 4 people with boat wins and 100% each. The fish scores determined the 1st to 4th positions, so after day 1, lying 1st for John Dennehy, 2nd Stephen Hurley, 3rd Piotrek Nowakowski and 4th Mark Devir.
Tails were up for day 2 with all to play for. There was a good swell on the sea, and the skippers decided to anchor for the first 3 hours and drift for the last 3. The fishing from the first drop was nice and steady and all enjoyed the fishing.
As the boats returned, all were trying to figure out who the top 6 were. With only one angler having 2 boat wins, Piotrek Nowakowski was the overall winner with 200%. Many congrats Piotrek, who will captain the Home Nations Team to represent Ireland in Weymouth in 2024. The other team members are Stephen Hurley with 198.2%, Mark Devir with 195.13%, Padraic Clear with 190.36%, Sean Og McShane with 193.94% and John Dennehy with 180.60%. A very strong team.

Many thanks to all who participated, to Josie Barrett & the Connaught Council, to Brian Whelan, John Dennehy and all the National Boat Committee, to Fergie for the great quality rag, and of course to our 4 skippers who tried hard to put us on fish. Photos attached.
The fish count was as follows:
Species |
Day 1 |
Day 2 |
Total |
Ballan Wrasse |
616 |
627 |
1243 |
Pollack |
272 |
401 |
672 |
Coalies |
137 |
4 |
141 |
Cuckoo Wrasse |
82 |
149 |
231 |
Pouting |
49 |
49 |
98 |
Cod |
4 |
11 |
15 |
Ling |
2 |
6 |
6 |
LSD |
3 |
2 |
5 |
Conger |
1 |
0 |
1 |
Whiting |
0 |
1 |
1 |