Giant bluefin tuna is big attraction at English Market

A giant 200kg bluefin tuna caught by a Castletownbere fisherman has caused quite a stir at the English Market in Cork.

Fishmonger Pat O’Connell, who elicited a hearty laugh from Queen Elizabeth with his banter during her visit to the market last year, bought the fish from Castletownbere Fishermen’s Co-op yesterday morning.

Since then he has been struggling to cope with the attention the two-metre fish has attracted.

“She’s the third bluefin tuna we’ve sold this month, and they’re attracting huge interest, particularly from the tourists coming to the English Market on foot of the Queen’s visit last year.

“A lot of them have never seen a fish like them. She’s an absolute beauty; she’s built for speed.”

Mr O’Connell said he sent “a lovely salmon” to Buckingham Palace this year.

“We got a very nice letter back from her private secretary thanking us and telling us that the queen really enjoyed it, but I think sending some of the tuna might be a bit difficult,” said Mr O’Connell.