Local anglers thrilled by conservation efforts
Presenting the Mike Tiernan Memorial Cup to Michael Lynn, winner of the catch and release brown trout competition on Lough Conn, were Mike’s parents Joan and Michael of Tiernan Brothers Angling Shop, Foxford.
A new wave for angling In the heart of Mayo, where the wild and beautiful Lough Conn has long been a sanctuary for anglers, a recent event has set a new, exciting standard for the future of the sport. The Mike Tiernan Memorial Cup, a collaborative effort between the forward-thinking Foxford Angling Club and the renowned Tiernan Brothers angling shop, was not just another competition; it was a powerful statement of intent for conservation and sustainable angling.
Held on Lough Conn, the competition’s most novel and progressive feature was its core principle: catch and release. This approach, increasingly seen as essential for protecting precious wild brown trout stocks, ensures the sport can be enjoyed by generations to come. The event brilliantly demonstrated that competitive spirit and environmental stewardship can go hand-in-hand.
The success of any catch-and-release event hinges on the safe handling and quick return of the fish. This is where Tiernan Brothers’ innovation shone. The shop provided modern, ‘fish-friendly’ measuring boards for all participants. These specialised boards allow for a rapid and accurate measurement of a trout’s length with minimal contact, ensuring the fish is returned to the water unharmed and with the best chance of survival.
This initiative underscores Tiernan Brothers' role not just as a tackle shop, but as a genuine pillar of the angling community. Their forward-thinking approach and willingness to invest in new ideas demonstrates a profound commitment to giving back to the sport they have worked so hard to promote.
They were partnered in this endeavour by one of the west of Ireland's most progressive angling clubs, the Foxford Angling Club. Foxford, along with its sister clubs Conn and Cullin Anglers and Ballina Cloghans Anglers, has a proven track record of enhancing the angling experience on Lough Conn. In recent years, their efforts have included the installation of angling shelters and picnic tables around the shore, improving accessibility and comfort for all who visit.
This commitment to the future is a unifying principle for all the clubs on Lough Conn. In a significant move for stock protection, they have collectively agreed to a voluntary bag limit of four fish per angler, a testament to their shared vision for a sustainable fishery.
The resounding success of the Mike Tiernan Memorial Cup has created a blueprint for others to follow. In a generous move to spread this positive change, Tiernan Brothers have announced they will make their specialised fish-measuring equipment available to any other clubs willing to host their own catch-and-release competitions.
This open invitation extends to the many visiting angling clubs who travel to Lough Conn and Lough Cullin annually for their own events, offering them the tools to adopt this modern, conservation-minded approach.
The Mike Tiernan Memorial Cup was more than a cup; it was a celebration. A celebration of a beloved angler’s memory, of community collaboration, and of a shared, sustainable vision for the future of angling on Lough Conn. It proves that by working together, shops and clubs can ensure the thrill of the catch remains a vibrant part of Mayo’s heritage for years to come.
