Some of the anxious faces waiting on the final weights at the match today
Des Bridgette reports on the latest round of the Athy & District Anglers Winter League which was fished on Sunday…
Athy Anglers were back in action at the weekend. Due to access on the river with the ground very soft the match venue was switched to the Marina. The anglers fished in pleasant conditions from 10am to 3pm and everyone caught fish.
Results
David Locke, 19lbs 12 ozs
Tommy Cahill, 15lbs 4 ozs
Mick Stynes, 12lbs 13 ozs
Pat Byrne, 11 lbs 12ozs
Well done to the winners and well done all the framers.
Go fishing…
Athy and District Anglers
If you’d like to fish the Marina Club Grounds or get involved with the club and fish matches like these, then click the links below!
Athy & District Anglers Club was formed in 1959 and to this day they continue to pursue their goals of protecting, maintaining and encouraging the sport of angling in the greater Athy area. The club works with local authorities to improve and maintain local fishing areas as well as organizing events and matches for local and national anglers. Athy & District Anglers Club welcomes all new members and all age groups to the sport! If you’d like to get involved, please check out the Getting Involved section of their website.
Adrian Browne won the 6th round of the Winter League with just 5.650kg but had better fishing on New Year's Eve.
The 6th round of the Ger Hennesy Winter league was fished at Oaklands at the weekend. Adrian Browne reports…
We had the Ger Hennesy Winter League, Round 6, on Sunday at Oaklands. It was a real Winter’s fishing day and the big Carp didn’t want to play ball unfortunately.
Results
Seniors
1st Adrian Browne 5.650 kg
2nd Gavin Roe 4.670 kg
3rd Mike Carney 4.050 kg
Section A Velimer Mozart 1.700 kg
Section B Sion Pichard 3.860 kg
Adrian Browne won the 6th round of the Winter League with just 5.650kg but had better fishing on New Year’s Eve.
A very popular carp fishery. Popular with competition anglers and novices alike. Alway a great chance of a bumper bag here. Friendly staff more than happy to advise beginner anglers. Caters to all sorts of clubs and groups.
JANUARY 11TH WINTER LEAGUE
JANUARY 25TH WINTER LEAGUE
FEBUARY 8TH WINTER LEAGUE
MARCH 22ND WINTER LEAGUE
APRIL 5TH WINTER LEAGUE
MAY 3RD SUMMER LEAGUE
MAY 16TH COMMERCAIL PAIRS DAY 1 NCFFI
MAY 17TH COMMERCIAL PAIRS DAY 2 NCFFI
MAY 24TH SUMMER LEAGUE
JUNE 7TH SUMMER LEAGUE
JUNE 28TH SUMMER LEAGUE
JULY 4TH DUNBRODY FESTIVAL DAY 1
JULY 5TH DUNBRODY FESTIVAL DAY 2
JULY 11TH METHOD FEEDER QUALIFER NCFFI
JULY 12TH SUMMER LEAGUE
JULY 26TH SUMMER LEAGUE
AUGUST 16TH SUMMER LEAGUE
AUGUST 30TH METHOD FEEDER FINAL NCFFI
SEPTEMBER 6TH SUMMER LEAGUE
SEPTEMBER 12TH AMERICAN PAIRS FUNDRAISER MATCH
SEPTEMBER 20TH SUMMER LEAGUE
Munster Coarse Anglers have reported back from their latest match, which was contested in extremely difficult conditions and, unsurprisingly, produced very low weights across the board…
In a great result, Ed Smith claimed overall victory 25 years after winning his only previous MCA match, doing so in style by taking the match win, both section prizes, and the Golden Peg. He was the only angler to register a catch in Section 1, underlining just how tough conditions were on the day.
Section 2 offered little more in the way of action, with three blank nets recorded and just 11oz shared between the remaining four anglers. Despite the tough fishing, the result has ensured that the final match of the league promises to be a real nail-biter, with four anglers still in contention and calculating the various permutations needed to secure overall victory.
Angling across Ireland experienced one of its most difficult weeks in quite some time, reflected in the notably low number of reports received. However, this is hardly surprising given the post-Christmas period, when angling activity is traditionally reduced, combined with the recent spell of unsettled and often severe weather. Persistent strong winds, heavy rainfall and fluctuating water levels made coarse angling particularly challenging, with many venues fishing poorly and weights well below average. Pike anglers also found conditions tough, as coloured and rising waters limited consistent sport. Along the coast, sea angling opportunities were severely curtailed, with rough seas and strong onshore winds restricting both shore and boat fishing. Despite these testing conditions, those anglers who did manage to get out showed real determination, with a small number of noteworthy catches still reported.
So, starting with coarse angling, where only a handful of reports were received this week, reflecting just how difficult conditions have been of late.
Back in September, we reported on the launch of a new league based around fishing four of Ireland’s commercial fisheries. Having now completed seven matches across the four venues, the eighth and final match of the inaugural Loch Mahon Autumn League was held on 28 December. Going into the final, everything was still to play for, with Johnny Bailey the slight favourite on six section wins, closely followed by Leo Lynch on five. In the end, Johnny held his nerve on the final day, winning both the match and the overall league title. The anglers thoroughly enjoyed the first running of the league and are already planning to repeat the format next autumn.
Great bags were caught at the final match of the inaugural Loch Mahon Autumn League
A small number of other matches also took place, including Round 3 of the CM Lakelands Muckno Winter League, which saw 13 coarse anglers competing in particularly testing winter conditions. Fishing was difficult throughout the venue, with the “South Lodge” area proving the most productive section, accounting for the top three anglers on the day. Steven Whyte eventually claimed overall victory, targeting roach at distances of 40 metres and beyond. His consistent long-range approach saw him top the scales with a winning weight of 3.380kg.
Round 3 of of the CM Lakelands Muckno Winter League was fished in difficult winter conditions
Munster Coarse Anglers also fished a match in similarly harsh conditions, and, unsurprisingly, weights were very low across the board. Despite this, Ed Smith secured an impressive overall victory 25 years after his only previous MCA match win, doing so in style by claiming the match win, both section prizes, and the Golden Peg – a notable achievement given the conditions.
While opportunities to get out and enjoy our sport may be limited at the moment, it’s an ideal time to tune in to Cormac Walsh’s Lure Fishing Podcast. In the latest episode, Cormac is joined by renowned angling guide and sea bass expert John Quinlan of Thatch Cottage Fishing Lodge in Kerry, reflecting on his experiences from the past few guiding seasons. The pair also look ahead to the coming season and cover a wide range of other engaging angling topics. This episode is packed with useful insights and practical information, making it well worth a listen.
Kerry based angling guide John Quinlan features in the latest episode of the Lure Fishing Podcast
We conclude this week’s update with the only sea angling report received, from Kit Dunne of Wicklow Boat Charters – and what a great report it is. A group of anglers made the most of a rare weather window on a cold January day, heading offshore in search of specimen spurdog with excellent results. Despite freezing conditions and a late start, heading straight to a deep channel quickly paid off. Fishing large baits in a strong but easing tide, the first spurdog soon came aboard, followed by a steady run of metre-class fish. The highlight of the trip, however, came when a superb 114cm specimen was landed, with further fish of similar size following shortly after. Another impressive 114cm spurdog capped off the action. Overall, it was a highly successful session and a welcome break from the persistent winter winds, which deserves our “Catch of the Week”.
Ciaran O’Toole has his specimen spur box ticked for 2026Bert McGregor gets his specimen spur too
A number of league and competition dates were also announced, including the first legs of the Munster and Leinster Shore Leagues, as well as the Michael Quinn Memorial Competition, hosted by Killala Sea Angling Club.
Looking ahead to the next few weeks in our Irish Angling Update, we’re optimistic that as the weather settles, angling opportunities will hopefully improve. Although it will remain slightly unsettled and breezy for a few days, we expect to see a rise in reports from both pike and coarse anglers, as well as from sea angling. And with the trout season around the corner, there’s plenty to look forward to…
Other News
Sponsorship Programme 2026
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has released details of its 2026 Sponsorship Programme. The initiative is designed to promote angling tourism in rural communities throughout 2026, while also supporting activities for beginner anglers and assisting Irish international teams competing in overseas championships. This programme is one of IFI’s key funding streams for encouraging sustainable angling in Ireland. For 2026, a total of €40,000 will be allocated to angling clubs, federations, and tourism organisations to help fund angling-related events.
State Fisheries
The tender process for IFI State Fisheries for 2026 is now open, and a list of available fisheries is available on fisheriesireland.ie. Clubs wishing to tender for one or more fisheries should download and complete the Condition of Tender Questionnaire and return it to IFI at the address provided, or alternatively submit an application online.
Salmon Regulations 2026
The introduction of the 2026 salmon regulations has been delayed while the Department continues to review submissions received during the public consultation process. In the meantime, the 2025 regulations remain in effect.
Ireland is set for cool and changeable conditions this weekend. Met Éireann’s forecast indicates generally cool days with daytime highs around 5–9 °C and nights staying cold with frost and fog likely in places. Tomorrow is expected to be largely dry but cloudy, with lingering fog and isolated light showers in some areas. Overnight frost and freezing fog are possible. On Sunday, many parts will stay dry with some sunshine early, but cloud and scattered showers may spread later, especially in the west, with Atlantic rain increasing into Monday. Temperatures will remain cool, around typical winter values. Looking into next week, conditions remain unsettled and changeable, dominated by low-pressure systems. There is a risk of rain and occasional blustery spells, with intermittent brighter intervals. Nights will continue to be cold with frost and possible ice or fog, and daytime temperatures will stay close to average winter levels before any notable warming.
Don’t forget to double-check the forecast before going fishing, and if you’re going to sea, check the tides.
In episode 43 of the Lure Fishing Podcast, host Cormac Walsh speaks to renowned Irish angling guide John Quinlan of the Thatch Cottage Fishing Lodge based in County Kerry to reflect on his last few seasons’ guiding.
Kerry based renowned angling guide John Quinlan
They also chat about the season ahead and John’s upcoming trip to Portugal and lots more.
John was on the Lure Fishing Podcast before a few years ago. See link below if you haven’t listened to it as it’s packed with useful information.
The Killala club are hosting the third annual Mícheál Quinn Memorial competition on the 31st of January. This was a great success last year with anglers travelling from all corners of Connacht and beyond, and promises to be a good one again. See the announcement and flyer below, and get your entries in!
In memory of our fishing friend, Killala Club will host the Micheal Quinn Memorial Shore Fishing Competition on Saturday, 31st Jan 2026. All entry proceeds will be donated to “Croí”.
Registration will be from 2 o’clock. Fishing will be 4pm until 8pm and the venue will be in the Killala area, tbc closer to the time – weather depending.
This competition is kindly sponsored by the Quinn Family, and the presentation will take place in Gilvarry’s pub Killala afterwards.
Entry fees €25 seniors, €15 juniors. All competitors must provide IFSA Affiliation number.
New to this year is a pair’s section – additional €20 fee per pair.
Cash Prizes include:
1st and 2nd overall
1st and 2nd in each zone
Longest flat and longest round
1st and 2nd pair’s
*Last date of entry Jan 30th,* please send name and IFSA number to:
Last weekend, round 3 of the CM Lakelands Muckno Winter League took place on Black, Yellow and South Lodge, with 13 coarse anglers competing in particularly challenging winter conditions. Fishing proved difficult across the venue, with South Lodge emerging as the most productive section, producing the top three anglers on the day.
Steven Whyte claimed overall victory from peg 249 on South Lodge, targeting roach at distances of 40 metres and beyond. His consistent approach paid off, as he topped the scales with a winning weight of 3.380kg. Finishing second overall, Darren Fairhurst drew the adjacent peg 248 and employed similar long-range tactics to weigh in 3.010kg. Damien Folytn, fishing on the opposite side of Steven, completed the podium in third place with a total catch of 2.660kg.
Sections:
Black: Piotr Horbiński – 2.650kg
Yellow: Rimantas Kondrackas – 2.425kg
South Lodge: Mariusz Kilian – 1.170kg
The competition continues with Round 4 scheduled in two weeks’ time, where anglers will once again be hoping for improved conditions and better weights.
Ireland’s Feederking dates have also recently been announced and are available on the CM Lakelands Facebook page.
The Edenderry Coarse Anglers have published their club event calendar, including dates for their popular 5-day festival, which will be held between Sunday, 1st June and Friday, 5th June. Details of that and other events on their calendar are in the graphic below.
Tom Lynch and Co. headed out on a cold January day in search of specimen spurdog—and they weren’t disappointed. Despite freezing conditions and a late start, spirits were high as we ran straight to the deep channel. With big baits dropped into a ripping tide, holding bottom was a challenge, though the tide was steadily easing.
It didn’t take long for the first spurdog to come aboard: an 85cm fish for Bert McGregor, soon followed by several 1m-class fish, keeping the measuring mat busy. An hour in, Cairan O’Toole took a powerful bite and produced a superb specimen spurdog measuring 114cm.
Ciaran O’Toole has his specimen spur box ticked for 2026
More metre-plus fish followed before Bert struck again—another cracking 114cm fish on the mat.
Bert McGregor gets his one too
Overall, a great day on the water and a welcome break from the relentless winds. Fingers crossed for a few more fishable days over the next couple of months. Plenty of charter dates still available, with January already seeing seats filled.
East coast waters are home to some of the best fishing in Ireland, with Wicklow boasting record catches of Tope, Bull-Huss, Ray and Spurdog in recent years. Catch Gurnard, Pollock and Codling on the inshore rough patches or on the offshore banks. Target your Specimen Tope, Spurdog, and Bull-Huss with Kit your local experienced skipper and accomplished Irish International Angler.
Angling Charters are offered on a full-day, half-day and evening trip basis and can be tailored to suit your needs. Two boats are available – Manannan Mac Lir and Castle Maiden. All levels of anglers are catered for. Anglers will benefit from your skipper’s angling experience and local knowledge with advice and guidance on-hand at all times.
Rod and tackle hire available, coaching and Bait supply on request.
SPECIALIST ANGLING CHARTERS
Specialist Angling Charters are offered for those who wish to target specific species, specimen fish or try new angling methods.
ANGLING COACHING
Whether you’re a Club, Individual, School or Junior, you can have an angling coaching session or programme tailored to suit your needs.
Castle Maiden
Offshore 105, 370 Hp Iveco
Skipper: Kit Dunne Licence: P5 Base: Wicklow Harbour Operational area: Wicklow, Arklow, Bray, Dun Laoghaire, and Courtown – 30 miles from ports of departure.
Manannan Mac Lir
Swiftcat 11.4m, 2 x 420hp Iveco
The new vessel, called “Manannan” for short, is an 11.4m, (37.5’), x 4.4m, Swiftcat, a state-of-the-art Charter Boat with great speed, safety, stability & comfort. She has a very spacious flush deck with walk around wheelhouse giving ample flush deck space all-round. With today’s high level of design options, she is well fitted out with all mod cons. She is a twin-engine shaft driven Catamaran, fitted with 2 x 420hp Iveco FPT NEF67 engines, she cruises at 18-20 Knots, with a top speed of 28 knots.
Athy & District Anglers Club was formed in 1959 and to this day they continue to pursue their goals of protecting, maintaining and encouraging the sport of angling in the greater Athy area. The club works with local authorities to improve and maintain local fishing areas as well as organizing events and matches for local and national anglers. Athy & District Anglers Club welcomes all new members and all age groups to the sport! If you’d like to get involved, please check out the Getting Involved section of their website.
Castle Maiden
Manannan Mac Lir
