Chairman's Report October 2024

John Connolly, Chairman

East Mayo Anglers Association

Chairman’s Report 2024

A Chairde,

Greetings to you all and here’s hoping that all of you are well, as another angling season has drawn to a close.

As to the season just gone by, I regret to say just as was the case last year that the negative aspects again outweighed the positives with the downward trend in salmon numbers continuing.  In 2023 the record shows that 534 fish were caught while this year the number recorded was 465. These repeated decline in numbers after a few good years is a cause of serious concern with regard to the resource.

If there is a redeeming factor to the decline in numbers caught; it is that a significant increase in the numbers released this year has been recorded. The monthly draws and incentives for those anglers who have released fish seem to be bearing fruit, so congratulations and thanks to you; to all those involved in this very worthwhile exercise.

Against this background of declining number in salmon runs nationwide it was sad and regrettable to witness the massive loss of salmon in the Ballisodare catchment area and the disease risk on the wider scale that such an incident threatened. Tighter controls and supervision are required from those whose responsibility it is to protect salmonid species.

For a number of years now, at Club level a Youth Event has been organised with a view to training young people in the art of Angling in all its diversity. I am pleased t report that the event has gone from strength to strength. This year over 70 youths took part and a most enjoyable evening was had by all. It argues well for the future of angling to see so many young people enthusiastically taking part. All aspects of angling was demonstrated to the youth and advice given on water safety.

Time and place does not allow me to thank individually all those who contributed to the smooth running and safety of the event so a collective thank you to everyone who gave their time, energy and expertise to insure the success of the event.

Congratulations to Jean Pierre Guiblain, Bohola who caught the 1st fish of the season and John McDonagh, Galway who released the heaviest fish of the season.

Thanks to our waterkeepers John and Jim’s diligent work throughout the year as waterkeepers and for the way they maintained riparian access to the river

To the executive committee members for their help and cooperation, a sincere thank you.

In particular thanks to Gary Smith for his continual efforts in promoting club enhancement projects. To our Secretary, Kathleen for all her hard work throughout the year trying to keep us on our toes in the service oof the club.

To our sponsors, Tiernan’s Tackle Shop, Foxford, Ballina Angling Centre, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Gateway Hotel, Swinford for their generous and continuing support over the years, a sincere thank you. Please support them as best we can.

Thanks also to the landowners along the river for their cooperation in allowing our members and guest unfettered access to the fishery.

Finally, to all our members, Associate Members, guests and friends on b behalf of the executive committee, I thank you all.

Wishing you all health and happiness for 2025 and hoping that fish runs improve. I wish you all tight lines for the 2025 season.

Yours sincerely,
John Connolly
Honorary Chairperson
East Mayo Anglers Association