ANGLING NOTES:AS A keen supporter of the lifeboats, I was quick to accept an invitation from Howth RNLI chairman Russell Rafter to attend the recent annual general meeting in Howth Yacht Club.
In his opening address the chairman paid tribute to all crew members and fundraising committees, and welcomed David Sargent as new treasurer in succession to Peter McKenna who stood down after 16 years’ service.
The chairman also had a special word of thanks to Howth Sea Angling Club who raised more than €2,000 from collection boxes and the Paul Lynam Memorial Boat Competition.
A mark of respect was paid to the late Alastair McMillan who served for 44 years as committee member, the final eight as chairman. In recognition of his service, he received the highest volunteer award, the Gold Medal of the Institution.
Rupert Jeffares, lifeboat operations manager, said 2011 was a busy year. It was ironic, he said, that the majority of call-outs were on calm days rather than in bad weather. He also confirmed that the new mooring alongside the lifeboat house for the All-weather Lifeboat (ALB) will be completed within 12 months.
Fundraising chairwoman Rose Michael said total receipts for 2010 had realised €83,000 and over a 10-year cycle since 2001, had brought in €1 million. She congratulated all concerned.
The chairman then presented the Long Service Badge for 20 years’ service to crew member Ian Massey and a framed certificate to Capt Peter McKenna in recognition of his 16 years service as treasurer and deputy launching authority.
The meeting concluded with video footage of a selection of callouts and rescue tasks by the ALB and Inshore Lifeboat from throughout the year.
- Delphi Club in Abaco, Bahamas, reopened this month for its third season with a full guide team in seven boats, resident chef Gareth Reid from Armagh and general manager Sandy Walker from Cork.
The club is running a special offer for November and December (the best fishing months of the past two seasons). Four people can stay for a week and avail of a 25 per cent discount. The offer is based on shared rooms, full accommodation and meals package. Contact: PO Box AB-20006, Abaco, Bahamas. Tel: +1-242-3662222 or delphi-bahamas.com.
A special treat will see the celebrated fly-fishing duo of Cathy and Barry Beck host a special trip to the club from January 16th to 21st. The Becks have fished all over the world and are famous for their many books on outdoor pursuits, photography and expertise at fly-fishing. Organised by sporting agents Frontiers Travel, the five-night/four-day trip costs $3,500 (€2,471) based on shared rooms and boats. jlinscott@frontierstravel.com.
- Waterways Ireland has started work on restoring navigation depths for boat traffic at Sarsfield Lock and Abbey River areas of the Shannon Navigation in Limerick city. Dredging involves the removal of 20,000 tonnes of silt, clay and gravel.
It is also proposed to remove the existing breakwater unit and replace with a floating weir protection boom.
The section of navigation to be dredged will be closed to boat traffic for the duration of the contract which is to be completed by December.
For further details of the day’s events, contact Katrina McGirr at 07196-50560.
- A Mad Haddocks’ Ghost and Ghouls Halloween Angling Party will be held today on Greystones South Beach from 11am to 2pm in aid of Temple Street Children’s Hospital.
Hobbling goblins, mermaids, neptunes, pirates and fisher folk are invited to dress-up in their best Halloween costumes to help raise much-needed funds.
Sportcast Ireland will carry out demonstrations of various fishing techniques – and don’t miss the fantastic raffle.
Contact Kevin O’Hare at 086-6029373.
angling@irishtimes.com