As a regular visitor to the southeast I have driven over many bridges on the River Slaney - Bunclody, Ferrcarrig, Enniscorthy and Wexford - come to mind immediately and Tullow, Clohamon and Kildavin to a lesser extent.
Yet I never considered for a moment the fascinating history associated with these bridges and indeed, the inevitable townlands created within the vicinity of each bridge.
I was therefore enthralled to learn the real story attached to this spectacular river and the background to its 33 bridges. John Duffy, from Tullow in Co Carlow, has put together a fascinating compilation with his new book River Slaney - From Source to Sea.
The Slaney begins at Lugnaquilla in Co Wicklow and 13 bridges later flows through Co Carlow from where it commences a leisurely journey through the rich farmlands of Co Wexford. The river is tidal for 13 miles from Enniscorthy and joins the sea at Wexford town.
On Kilcarry Bridge in Co Carlow, the Down Survey of 1656 reads: "Kilcarry is the only bridge shown across the Slaney, or any other river in Wexford, at that time. Kingsmill Moore, fisherman and author of the angling classic: A Man May Fish (1960), lived for many years at the Mill House, Kilcarry.
Clohamon was one of the largest towns in north Wexford in the 1650s and the annual fair became an occasion for faction fighting. A salmon pass with fish-counter operates underneath Clohamon Bridge. In recent years, Slaney Rod Fishers have built a second pass in the weir.
Wexford Bridge is the longest and last bridge on the Slaney. Originally a ferry service operated across the river before being replaced by a wooden bridge in 1795 at a cost of £15,000. Regimental music was performed on fine days on specially constructed balconies.
A new bridge built in 1866 was replaced in 1959 by a seven-span, 1,256ft concrete structure. After some 20 years, the bridge began to deteriorate and in 1997 was demolished down to the tops of the piers and a new superstructure provided. The bridge won a construction award in 1998.
River Slaney - From Source to Sea began as an "art" idea but soon a larger project began to emerge. Each bridge was photographed several times and drawings taken from them took more than six months to complete.
The book will make an ideal Christmas present for those even remotely associated with one of the finest rivers in Europe. The recent launch attracted 300 people and bookshops nationwide are now receiving copies. Contact aandjduffy@eircom.net.
Cavan Monaghan Rural Development, in conjunction with the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, recently organised an angling tourism workshop in Bailieboro, Co Cavan. The workshop held at Skeaghvil Woodland Chalets, overlooking Skeagh Lake, was for accommodation providers.
With the decline in angling visitors in recent years, the focal point of the workshop centred on re-igniting an interest in angling tourism particularly in the Cavan area where coarse and pike fishing is of the highest order.
The workshop provided an ideal forum for accommodation providers to meet qualified fishing guides with a view to offer packages that encompass all aspects of an angling holiday. A further workshop is planned in January.
Contact 049-4338477 or tourism@cmrd.ie.
Clonanav Fly Fishing Centre in Clonmel, Co Waterford, has expanded, increasing its range of fly fishing gear from top suppliers. And there is still plenty of time for Christmas vouchers! For catalogue, contact 052-36765 or Andrew@flyfishingireland.com.
Corkagh Park Fishery, Dublin, continues angling at a premium at this popular fishery with trout to 4.2kg now a regular occurrence. On the coarse lake, staff are feeding in two gallons of pellets every two days to keep the fish moving. Details on winter league at 01-459 2622.
angling@irish-times.ie