The Mícheál Quinn Memorial competition is fast becoming a must-fish fixture on the Connacht sea anglers calendar, with the second running of the event last weekend proving a great success.

Tom Keal from Galway Bay SAC wrote up a great report of the day, which we reproduce below:

The Michael Quinn Memorial Competition was a day to remember, with 25 anglers gathering to honor the legacy of a true angling legend.

The day began with the infamous “CBI warm-up walk.” Let’s be honest, it’s less of a stroll and more of a test of endurance, but we all know it’s part of the charm. By the time we reached our marks, legs were stretched, lungs were working, and everyone was ready for action. With a strong southerly wind at our backs and a rising tide, conditions were challenging but manageable.

Fish were playing hard to get during the brighter hours, but sea trout made appearances as the tide progressed. As always, some anglers managed to pull off last-minute catches that shook up the standings right at the end. The juniors deserve special credit for their determination and effort—they gave it everything and did themselves proud!

Gift Bags

A huge thank you to the organizers for the brilliant gift bags handed out to all participants. Packed with treats and angling essentials, they were a lovely touch that added to the day’s enjoyment. It’s gestures like this that make events like these so special—fair play to everyone involved!

The Acres Bar – Results, Prizes & Craic

After packing up and shaking off the saltwater, we made our way back to The Acres Bar in Killala for the results and prize-giving ceremony. The bar was buzzing as anglers gathered for raffles, discussions about “the one that got away,” and plenty of laughs over a well-earned pint or two. Prizes were handed out in great style, and the camaraderie on display was second to none.

 Final Results

 

*Juniors:*

– *1st Place:*Danny Harty (Galway Bay)

– *2nd Place:*Sally Gilvarry (Killala)

– *3rd Place:*Rian McDermott (Galway Bay)

 

*Seniors:*

– *1st Place:* Billy Gilvarry (Killala)

– *2nd Place:* Timmy O’Sullivan (Galway Bay)

 

*Special Awards:*

– *Longest Flatfish:* Colin Harty (Galway Bay)

– *Longest Roundfish:* Joe Chambers (Curran)

 

– *Zone 1 Winner:* Owen Gilvarry

– *Zone 2 Winner:* Finbarr Maguire

 Supporting Croí

Something to highlight is that this competition donated all proceeds to Croí, a charity dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke in Ireland. This added an extra layer of meaning to an already special event, as anglers came together not only for sport but also to make a difference in their community. A fantastic €750 was raised for this great charity in Mícheál’s memory.

 

Reflections on the Day

The Michael Quinn Memorial was everything we hoped it would be—a fitting tribute to a great man and a reminder of why we love this sport so much. From juniors to seniors, every angler gave their best in tough conditions, showing true grit and sportsmanship.

A massive thank you to the organisers for putting together such a well-run event, and to everyone who participated for making it such an enjoyable day. Here’s to more great days on the water in 2025—tight lines until next time!