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Bass Bonanza on Wexford Beaches for South Shore SAC

By
Shane O'Reilly
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This post was compiled from angling reports shared on the South Shore SAC Facebook page: T

he 2026 renewal of the Mick Kearney Open was held in Kilmuckridge on a beautiful early summer’s day and once again delivered one of the highlights of the match fishing calendar. With over 60 anglers checking in, the event attracted a highly competitive field that included world championship medallists and former world champions, reflecting the prestige the competition has built over the years. Organisers extended special thanks to Ross Engineering and the Kearney Family for their continued sponsorship and support.

Conditions were close to ideal for beach fishing, with high pressure, a mainly south-westerly wind, a touch of colour in the water and enough movement to create optimism despite a smaller tide. Fishing took place across three zones positioned around Ballinoulart and Morriscastle, and excitement grew early when a pleasure angler landed a quality bass before the competition began.

The match started brightly with fish appearing across the venues and anglers settling into productive areas, particularly where deeper water remained accessible as the tide eased away. Standout performances developed through patience and consistency rather than fast action. In Zone A, Alby Allan produced a remarkable late run of 13 bass to finish ahead of strong competition. Zone B was won by Thomas Keogh, who steadily built his score with a productive spell of flounders. Zone C belonged to James Ryan, whose outstanding haul of 17 fish, including six valuable dogfish, secured both the zone and the overall Mick Kearney Trophy.

The junior competition was equally competitive, with only the narrowest margins separating the leading anglers. Phillip Kennedy Ryan claimed the prestigious Saoirse Trophy following another impressive display of consistency.

The day also raised €800 for charity partner Heart Children Ireland through the raffle 👏👏👏, and concluded with presentations, stories and celebrations, marking another memorable chapter in the history of the Mick Kearney Open.

A full report and more photos can be viewed on the South Shore SAC Facebook Page.

Go Fishing…

Sea Angling on the East Coast

Baggers on the Scratch as Skimmers prove Scarce on the Blackwater

By
Shane O'Reilly
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This post was compiled from angling reports shared on The VDE Baggers AC Facebook page:

The VDE Baggers fished the second round of their Spring League on the River Blackwater over the weekend, and while the sun shone, and the river looked idyllic, the fishing was far from historic, as the skimmers were in short supply, and anglers had to scratch around to make the numbers.

Top rod on the day was Aaron Hutchman with 25 fish on the pole from peg 1 to weigh 1.480kg, followed by Daniel Singleton with 1.120kg and Nick Seddon with 930g, Jack Tisdall was 4th and won C section with 840g and leads the league with 2 points.

In full summer atire…Aaron won with flying colours

A full report and more photos can be viewed on The VDE Baggers AC Facebook Page.

 

Conor Graham wins Kilbride Anglers’ Des Johnston Cup on Lough Sheelin

By
Shane O'Reilly
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This post was compiled from angling reports shared on the Kilbride Anglers Webpage:

The Kilbride Anglers fished the Des Johnston Cup 2026 last Saturday, held in memory of much-missed friend Des, and it once again proved to be one of the highlights of the angling calendar. The event attracted an excellent turnout of 35 anglers, with many new participants joining and adding to the strong sense of community around the competition.

Conditions were generally favourable, with warm weather and good winds for wet fly and dry fly fishing, although nymph fishing proved difficult. A barbecue break at 2pm, organised by Ben, gave anglers the chance to relax and exchange stories. At that stage, however, catches had been scarce, with only one fish landed before lunch.

The afternoon session remained challenging, producing just one additional fish despite plenty of missed opportunities and tales of “the one that got away.” As always, the competition followed a catch-photo-release format.

Final results:

  • 1st – Conor Graham (20.8-inch trout)
  • 2nd – Denis Goulding (19-inch trout)

Many anglers stayed into the evening for the famous spent gnat rise. Calm conditions and excellent dry-fly opportunities created memorable fishing, with some outstanding catches possible only on Irish loughs such as Sheelin. The day ended with renewed appreciation for protecting this exceptional fishery for future generations.

A full report can be viewed on the Kilbride Anglers Webpage.

Go Fishing…

Lough Sheelin, Co. Cavan

Join Dodder Anglers WhatsApp group for news of upcoming events

By
Shane O'Reilly
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The Dodder Anglers are one of the most active angling clubs in the country, and regularly host introductory and youth days to encourage people to go fishing. They are forming a WhatsApp group to keep people informed of any upcoming events, and details are available in the graphic below:

Nations Cup Ireland 2026 Report

By
Paul O'Reilly
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This great report from the organisers of this year’s edition of the Nations Cup:

On Sunday, 24 May, the annual Nations Cup Ireland event took place on the beautiful waters of Lough Ree, during the hottest day of the year so far.

Anglers representing Ireland, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, the UK, and Brazil competed in teams of two from boats across the lake. All participants gathered early in the morning at the slipway, where a short captains’ meeting was held before the official start at 9:00am. Fishing continued until 5:00pm.

Nations Cup

A total of 84 skilled anglers gave their best efforts, each hoping to help their nation reach the top of the leaderboard. However, the conditions proved extremely challenging. Blue skies and scorching sunshine made fishing difficult, as predator fish were largely inactive throughout the lake.

At 5:00pm, all teams returned to the slipway and retrieved their boats from the water. After photographs and catch-and-release videos were checked, the final leaderboard was revealed at the Lough Ree Inn. Special thanks go to the venue for accommodating such a large group on a busy Sunday.

Individual Team Results

  • 1st Place – Jacek Gorny – Wioleta Hejna
  • 2nd Place – Daniel Nesbitt – Stephen Gibbons
  • 3rd Place – Olegas Orlovas – Mindaugas Naujokas
  • Longest Fish Award – Maciej Dukacz – Nikodem Bienkowski

Nations Cup Ireland 2026 – Nation Results

  • 1st Place – Poland – 13 penalty points
  • 2nd Place – Ireland – 13 penalty points
  • 3rd Place – Romania – 22 penalty points
  • 4th Place – Latvia – 23 penalty points
  • 5th Place – Lithuania – 25 penalty points
  • 6th Place – United Kingdom – 29 penalty points
  • 7th Place – Brazil – 39 penalty points

According to the competition rules, in the case of a tie between two nations, the longest fish determined the winner – giving Poland the top honour for 2026.

Poland finish in first place

Well done to all involved in this year’s edition – well done to the winners of the team & individual – well done to Poland for winning the 2026 edition, and well done to the runner-up nations!!

Thank you for your patience and support over the years.

Special mention to The Lough Ree Inn for accommodating us for the Prize Giving.

Next on the list will be Lough Derg Perch Bonanza follow Perch Master Ireland for more info!

Special thanks to all team captains; without them, this event wouldn’t happen

Athlone Angling Centre

Big wrasse and regrets for Simon off Swilly

By
Myles Kelly
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Simon McLarnon was out fishing for tope from Portsalon, Co. Donegal on Saturday. They were hoping to fish the grounds off Dunaff Head, Lough Swilly, but unfortunately the southerly breeze was stronger than expected resulting in a choppy sea and a very strong drift. This made angling difficult and uncomfortable in a confused sea. Given the conditions they decided to try some of the reefs inside Lough Swilly instead to get a bit of shelter.

It was on one of these reefs that Simon hit what he thought was full trace of coalfish, which the boat was catching plenty of, but after a hard scrap it was a big “Kelp Donkey” of a Ballan Wrasse that came to the surface.

The fish was photographed but released it without getting proper measurements. At the time they didn’t realise that it could have been a specimen wrasse. Simon tells us that is was certainly the biggest wrasse he has ever caught. He estimated the wrasse to measure between 45 and 50cm which could put it up at 4.5 and 5lb.

At least he knows it’s there to be caught again…

Go fishing…

Sea Fishing North East Donegal

Some good fishing off Clare coast and a surprise catch

By
Myles Kelly
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Angel shark
Shannon Estuary angel shark

Charter boat skippers out of Shannon Estuary are getting out more, now that winds and sea conditions have improved…

Anglers fishing with Sean Maguire aboard charter boat Isle of Aran Good enjoyed catches of pollack and coalfish over the last few trips with a few other species in the mix. Sean tells us that mackerel are still hit and miss although they are getting good sized fish when they meet a shoal.

Luke Aston of the Clare Dragoon tells us that he is back out doing a few day charters after the poor weather from the previous week. Luke is also seeing some nice sized mackerel around, which is good to hear, and he is getting plenty of coalfish and pollack.

Luke took a crew up the estuary at the weekend to try for a Tope. They had a run or 2 but no hook up. The big news though, and a real bonus fish, was a lovely Angel Shark. Nice to think they are making their way back up the estuary.

Go fishing…

Carrigaholt Sea Angling Centre

Address Carrigaholt Clare Ireland Mobile Phone: +353 87 6367544 Phone: +353 65 9058209 Website: fishandstay.com
More information
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Fishing Adventures Ireland

Address Kilbaha Clare Ireland Mobile Phone: +353 87 7508758 Mobile Phone: +353 89 4431182 Website: fishingadventures.ie
More information
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Sea angling in the Shannon Estuary and the Clare coast

 

Skate fishing season underway in Courtmacsherry

By
Myles Kelly
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Mark Gannon reports on the charterboat fishing with Courtmacsherry Angling Centre…

The Skate fishing season got underway in Courtmacsherry on Wednesday last week. Our first female Flapper skate of 1.22m was caught by Dutch angler Marnix (tagged and released) aboard the Lady Patricia skippered by Chris O’Connell. The group are regular visitors to Courtmacsherry and the tour is led by Dirk-Jan whose been fishing in Courtmacsherry for over 20 years.

Other fish caught included pollack, coalfish, cod, pouting, cuckoo wrasse, Ballan wrasse and Dogfish. The conditions were improving and it was great to be able to get to sea after the poor conditions of late.

We have full charters available and individual seats will be available later in the summer. Our self drive boats are also available for inshore and estuary fishing.

Go fishing…

Courtmacsherry Sea Angling Centre

Address Woodpoint Guest House Courtmacsherry Cork Ireland Mobile Phone: +353 86 8250905 Website: courtmacsherryangling.ie
More information
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William Coughlan wins 2nd round of Athy Anglers summer league

By
Myles Kelly
-

Des Bridgette reports on the second round of the Athy & District Anglers Summer League which was fished on Sunday…

Athy Anglers held the second leg of their Summer League on the canal. Fishing was hard to say the least. Willian Coughlan was the eventual winner, in his first canal match in over 40 years.

Results are as follows

  • 1st William Coughlan 3lb 15ozs
  • 2nd Bao 3lb.3ozs
  • 3rd Chris Lawlor
  • 4th Dave Locke 1lb 4ozs

Well done to everyone that competed.

Anglers are Reminded that the Marina will be closed for fishing this Saturday 30th of May for a Tri Athy event. Please respect this, thank you.

Go fishing…

Our next match will be Sunday the 7th of June 3pm to 8pm meeting at 1pm Stradbally lock.

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.

Reminder: New Dodder regulations in force from 01 June

By
Myles Kelly
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A new byelaw, signed earlier this year, updates the regulations on the River Dodder. The new regulations apply to the part of the river from Clonskeagh Road bridge to the River Liffey at Ringsend. 

Fly only fishing

River Dodder Bye-law No. 1021 of 2025 provides for fly fishing only, single barbless hook from Clonskeagh Road bridge to the River Liffey at Ringsend during the period 01 June to 30 September in any year. All legitimate methods are allowed at other times (subject to salmon regulations).

Catch and release

River Dodder Bye-law No. 1021 of 2025 provides for catch and release for all fish species downstream of the Clonskeagh Road bridge to the River Liffey at Ringsend during the period 01 June to 30 September in any year.

No salmon, or seatrout over 40cm

A person shall not have in his or her possession any wild salmon or sea trout (over 40cm).

Angling Limitation River Dodder Bye-law No. 1021 of 2025

View the bye law here: River Dodder bye law

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