ANGLING NOTES:LIFEBOAT CREWS in Ireland rescued 503 people in the first six months of this year, according to half-yearly figures released by the RNLI last Tuesday. Dún Laoghaire in Dublin and Crosshaven in Cork were the busiest stations, with 61 launches and 79 people rescued.
The 43 stations that cover the Irish coastline, Lough Derg in Co Tipperary and Lough Erne in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh launched 439 times, a figure that represents an increase of 75 people rescued over the same period last year.
Despite unpredictable weather conditions, the figures show seafarers continuing to take to the water for a variety of activities.
In this regard, the RNLI's investment in training, infrastructure and education in sea safety ensures crews are ready to meet any challenges that might arise.
The newly-appointed RNLI divisional inspector for Ireland, Martyn Smith, says: "As a charity, we rely on the generosity of the public to ensure our lifeboats can launch at any hour of any day to any emergency."
The charity is calling on people, businesses and schools to support its SOS day on Friday, January 30th, 2009. Events can range from a sponsored silence or talk (Sound or Silence) to more adventurous events (Shave Our Skulls). Fundraising packs for SOS day are available to download at www.rnli.ie/sos.
• The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board (ERFB) has won a court case against two people for coarse fishing offences on waters in the Castleblayney area of Co Monaghan. Neither defendant appeared in court.
Judge Sean McBride ordered that one defendant serve two six-month concurrent prison sentences and imposed a fine of €250. The second defendant was given a €1,000 fine with one month to pay. Total costs awarded to the ERFB amounted to €2,480.
The offences related to the netting of coarse fish in a tributary stream of Lough Muckno at Castleblayney in September 2007. The individuals were apprehended by court-appointed angling club water-keepers, who witnessed the illegal activity. An inflatable dinghy, a net and a large number of bream were seized by the ERFB and gardaí.
The board was instrumental in introducing the coarse and pike bylaws in 2006 and is proactive in its enforcement, with more than 60 fines and eight prosecutions initiated.
In addition, fisheries staff has carried out many searches resulting in thousands of coarse fish being released, together with the confiscation of offending fishing gear.
• The Minister for Trade and Commerce John McGuinness will open a seminar hosted by Salmon Watch Ireland in the Hotel Kilkenny on Saturday, November 8th at 2.30pm.
Speakers include Dr Paddy Gargan from the Central Fisheries Board (CFB), who will address the issue of scientific advice on managing salmon stocks in Irish rivers. Dr Martin O'Grady (CFB) and fishery consultant Alan Sullivan will speak on the rehabilitation of spawning streams, in particular those affected by drainage schemes.
Time will also be allotted for a question-and-answer session to discuss important issues that may arise. As places are limited, confirmation of attendance is advised to Bob Wemyss at 087-2512562 or wemyss.bob@gmail.com. Admission is free.
• The Loughs Agency is holding a series of information evenings regarding funding opportunities in its Sustainable Development Fund. The venues are: Loughs Agency, Victoria Road, Derry on November 10th at 7pm; Bagenal's Castle, Newry, Co Down, on November 17th at 7pm; and Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh, Co Tyrone on November 11th at 7pm.
The closing date for expressions of interest is November 27th at 4pm.
• Heavy grip leads to counteract force-nine southwesterlies were the order of the day at this year's South Shore SAC open-shore competition on the Wexford beaches of Courtown, Kilgorman and Roney Point.
While the rain held off, the strong wind lifted the sand and stung the eyes of the hardy competitors. Distance proved crucial on some venues, while on Roney, anglers brought in multiple trebles of undersized fish, according to IFSA spokesman Brian Cooke.
Thomas Keogh from the host club took top honours, with seven fish (four dogfish and three whiting). In fact, three generations of the Keogh family received prizes. Thomas senior was second in Zone A and his grandson was runner-up in the junior event.
Results: Zone A - Kilgorman. First, A O'Rourke; second,
TP Keogh; third, R Gormley. Zone B - Courtown. First, R Coventry; second, R Hammett; third, AS Maria. Zone C - Roney Point. First, T Keogh; second, T McAdam; third, I Daly. Juniors: first, G Fogarty; second, T Keogh; third, D O'Rourke.