Nestled in the shadow of towering flat-topped Ben Bulben stands the townland of Mullaghmore in Co Sligo.
It was to this beautiful part of the countryside that a group from The Irish Times travelled last weekend to enjoy a three-day break and to take in a day of deep-sea angling.
The occasion was the first MAN-Roland-sponsored boat competition, which attracted a large group of staff members. Families also came along and enjoyed the splendid cuisine of the Beach Hotel, its swimming pool and magnificent views overlooking the harbour.
There was an international flavour to the weekend. MAN-Roland executive sales manager Wolfgang Malcher flew specially from Germany along with three colleagues. From Austria, Wilfred Ubhler and his wife also arrived for the occasion. The three chartered boats comprised Huntress Blue owned by Brendan Merrifield, Roustabout skippered by John Cunniffe and Gerry Sheeran's Ellen Louise. All 27 anglers were full of praise for the special attention given by the skippers to the first-timers and the fresh mackerel served on board with coffee added to the enjoyment.
Fishing on the day was first-class. Everybody caught fish and a tally on the score cards showed almost 300, most of which were returned. Ed Higo recorded the heaviest, a ling of 9 1/2lb. But the real winner was the weather, with flat calm seas, blue skies and the sun shining all day. What more could one ask for?
At the prize-giving, Mr Malcher said he was delighted to be associated with the weekend. "It was my first time boat-fishing and I had a fantastic day. I look forward to repeating the same again next year," he said.
In response, Irish Times press and publishing manager Mr Fred Snowe thanked our guests for their interest in sponsoring the weekend. He also thanked the committee for organising a truly memorable weekend.
MAN-Roland is a German printing company with which The Irish Times has placed an order for a new colour Geoman 3/8 printing press, due to come on line in the autumn of 2001.
John Brittain, skipper of Blue Water, emails from Clifden, Co Galway, to say shark-angling so far is disappointing mainly due to low water temperatures. However, reef-angling is excellent with many pollack over 10lb, ling to beyond specimen size of 30lb and conger, including one to about 40lb.
While fishing a mile off Dunbeg, Co Clare, on Thursday, Frank Folan and his two sons positively identified two large sunfish swimming on the surface. As they are a tropical/subtropical species sometimes carried by the Gulf Stream, Frank wonders if they are a first for Irish waters.
Results of All-Ireland Coarse Championships held at Lough Oughter, Killeshandra, Co Cavan, last Sunday:
1, R. McGrath (Portumna), 21kg 440gms; 2, K. Cole (Lurgan), 13kg 810gms; 3, R. O'Neill (Newry), 12kg 620gms; 4, G. McCleland (Portobello), 11kg.
Tomorrow, the Sixth All-Ireland Junior Pike Championships will be held on Lough Avaghon in Co Cavan. Clubs may enter as many four-member teams as they wish provided all are under 18 years of age.
Entry fee of £10 per team will be taken at lakeside car park from 10.30 a.m. for fishing noon to 5 p.m. Venue will be signposted from Shercock. For further details, ring John Crudden at 049-854 4757.