Countryside Alliance Ireland - love the countryside

Any salmon angler or conversationalist who campaigned for the wild Atlantic salmon are now dejected after learning of the decision by the new regime in Dublin under Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Mr Pat Rabbitte TD to reopen what was classified as a mixed stock fishery in Castlemaine Harbour near Cromane in County Kerry.   

As news of the decisions from Fishery District Committees arrive in our office it is apparent that stocks are in serious decline and the policy will not change anytime soon. For example, one river in Donegal has a surplus of 194 fish to be divided up between 200 anglers and 10 draft licenses (some from closed Bays miles up the coast) which left under ten tags for each netsman and over half of the anglers having to catch and release again for the second year running. It is madness to allow commercial netting on a fishery that warrants brown tags for anglers, yet this happens year after year by people being paid from our licence revenue.

The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Mr. Pat Rabbitte T.D., has announced plans to re-open licensed commercial fishing in Castlemaine Harbour, following receipt of the results of the pilot fishery undertaken there in 2010.

The Minister in announcing the statutory 30 day public consultation on the required amendment to the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme for 2011 to provide for the opening of the fishery, highlighted that he has asked IFI to ensure full enforcement of the associated salmon conservation bye-laws and regulations and also to ensure adherence to the quota set for the commercial fishery in the harbour.

The 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Wild Deer Association of Ireland (WDAI) took place on Saturday May 14th 2011 in Kilcoran Lodge Hotel, Cahir, Co. Tipperary. 

During the AGM, officers and an additional twenty four committee members from all regions were elected.  Membership has continued to grow strongly, with 83 new members from all over Ireland, and 2010/11 proved to be the busiest year the association has experienced.

In conjunction with the AGM, the association’s annual trophy exhibition was held.  Awards were presented for Best Fallow to Paul Fletcher, Tipperary – Best Sika to Fran Lynch, Wexford – Best Red Deer to Christopher Marron, Monaghan, - Most Unusual to John Clooney, Laois - Best Overall to Noel Callan, Louth. 

In memory of former Chairman John Creedon, the John Creedon Memorial Award for Wildlife Photography, sponsored by Countryside Alliance Ireland was presented.  Pictured is Peter Bacon, from CAI, presenting the first prize to Paul Hogan, Tipperary, who captured a fantastic image of a Fallow Doe. 

This was followed by a member’s draw; amongst the prizes was all expenses trip to the CLA Game Fair, won by Michael Corbett.

It is with great regret that CAI has learned of the death of Billy O’Regan, President and founder member of the Wild Deer Association of Ireland. 

Billy was one of the founder members of the Wild Deer Association of Ireland, when the organisation was formed in 1981.  Along with his loving wife Mary they devoted their lives to the welfare of wild deer and their love of deer stalking.  Billy worked tirelessly to highlight the increase of deer poaching in recent years and was a leading personality in the deer stalking community in Ireland.   

He will be sadly missed by his many friends and colleagues in the Wild Deer Association of Ireland and Countryside Alliance Ireland.

Funeral Details 

Reposing at Costigans Funeral Home, Cahir, Co Tipperary this Thursday evening, May 19^th, from 5pm.  Removal to St. Mary's Church, Cahir, at 7pm.   

Requiem Mass on Friday 20th May at 11am and interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.  

Family flowers only please; donations if desired to the Irish Kidney Association. 

May He Rest in Peace