THE Minister of State for Natural Resources, Joe McHugh, launched a new publication An Geolaíocht ó bhun go barr at Coláiste Ailigh in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, last week. The book is a guide to geological and geographical processes relevant to Ireland and will be particularly useful for primary and second-level schools.
The guidebook is published by Sherkin Island Marine Station in conjunction with Geological Survey of Ireland, An Comhairle Um Oideachas Gaeltachta & Gaelscoileanna and Department of Natural Resources.
Included in the launch was an updated Irish language version of the Real Map of Ireland and Bedrock Geological Map of Ireland, both useful tools in the study of Irish geography and geology.
The Real Map of Ireland is a detailed chart of the seabed around Ireland, derived from the national seabed mapping programme under the Infomar programme. The Bedrock Geological Map of Ireland includes, for the first time, both onshore and offshore geology.
“Not only will these materials be of great assistance to pupils in gaelscoileanna, they are also a useful aid for teachers in primary and secondary schools,” the Minister says.
The department hopes to launch a series of publications throughout the lifetime of this language scheme in celebration of Seachtain na Gaeilge.
Mayfly imitation
Fly-tyer Jimmy Tyrrell is always on the lookout for the perfect mayfly imitation. “There are occasions when you get good feedback and can say for sure that a particular fly has caught fish. I then set about to tie the pattern for customers.
“The detached-body mayfly (pictured right) is very realistic and has caught its fair share of trout.
“It’s a superb mayfly pattern and one that I would definitely recommend for the fly box,” he says.
See irishflycraft@gmail.com or 086-8451257.
Irish Fly Fair
The recent Irish Fly Fair and Angling Show in the Galway Bay Hotel was a fantastic success and many exhibitors have already booked for next year. “We had record numbers of visitors over the two days from all over the world,” according to Stevie Munn.
Next year’s event is already pre-booked for Nov 7th/8th, 2015, at the same venue. For more info, contact anglingclassics@aol.com or www.irihflyfair.com.
Bahamas hurricane season
The new season at Delphi Club in the Bahamas is well underway after a very benign hurricane season. Some great bonefish catches have been made in the past couple of weeks and the big schools are now appearing most days.
Delphi manager Max Woolnough took time out recently to catch some stonking fish including a huge 40lb barracuda and several very good jacks. Bookings are currently brisk, but some gaps remain in the room register. All prices and special offers are posted on http://delphi-bahamas.com/prices-delphi-bahamas/
Sensas challenge
Team Sensas 28 from France came out tops to win the Irish Sensas two-day challenge at the Coachford Greenway on Inniscarra Lake in Co Cork, last weekend.
Ireland’s Green team of Alin Apahidean, Fint Brennan, Radu Alexandru and Enda Hickey took second place and will now go forward, along with the winning team, to compete in the international competition to be held in France in October, 2015.
While winter sunshine made fishing difficult, the seven four-man teams produced a very respectable average weight of between 6kg and 9kg per angler over the two days.
Annamoe Fisheries
The fourth and final qualifier of the winter league, sponsored by Southside Angling took place last weekend at Annamoe Trout Fisheries, Co Wicklow. In calm and mild conditions, 64 rainbow trout were caught amongst 20 anglers.
Most fish fell to lures with Hare’s Ear, Cat’s Whiskers, Vivas and Dawson Olives proving most popular. As always, the multi-coloured boobies on DI5 sinking line also brought in fish.
The final is scheduled for Saturday 13th December, fishing 10am until 2pm. Enquires to Brian Nally 086- 2598563.
Delphi Lodge lessons
If you’re looking for a Christmas gift idea why not treat someone to Delphi Lodge in Connemara to learn how to fly fish with Peter O’Reilly. Peter is a renowned fly-fishing tutor who offers an enjoyable experience for beginners and improvers.
For further details, contact info@delphilodge.ie or 095-42222.
angling@irishtimes.com
