Seventh heaven for angling ace Thomas

The 59th Newport Sea Angling Festival was held on August Bank Holiday weekend, August 2/3.

Thomas Moran was the proud recipient of the Tom Moran Memorial Cup as the festival’s overall winner. The much sought after cup is dedicated to the memory of Tom Moran Snr, a long-standing committee member and local skipper, who sadly passed away in 1997.

Thomas had a total of nine fish and 170 points on the day. This is a record seventh time in its 27-year history that he gets to take possession of his dad’s memorial cup. Thomas also won a prize for both the largest Ray (52cm) and largest Bullhuss (100cm). Runner-up was committee member Irene Walsh with seven fish and 140 points. Paul Moran was the junior angler winner and in the ladies section, Kathleen Donnellan was the recipient of the Jane O’Malley Cup.

The weekend of fishing began on the Saturday morning when two boats full of junior anglers headed out to sea in search of fish. This proved to be more difficult than first thought! In total, seven different and usually reliable fishing marks were tried and each one ended up producing just a handful of fish.

As the day progressed it was obvious that there would be very little between the anglers and the skippers tried their best to up the catch at each of the various anchor drops. The warmer than usual sea temperatures were mentioned as a possibility for the lack of fish but even the 30m plus deep holes in the bay did not produce the usual bounty.

In the end, young local angler Paul Moran secured the Margaret Moran Memorial Cup with a total catch of four fish and 40 points. Paul also caught the largest ray amongst the junior group with a wingspan of 40.5cm. This was only Paul’s second year with the club and marks a great achievement for the young angler.

Sunday morning saw three full boats of senior anglers head out to sea. Based on their knowledge from the previous day’s poor returns the skippers really had to think beyond the usual, reliable fishing marks – and they did not disappoint. One of the boats ended up with a record 33 bulhuss and seven ray.

The presentation itself took place in Nevin’s, Newport where Declan and family provided a warm welcome for all. Chairman Sean Fahy complimented the club president Pat Moran on becoming the oldest angler in the club’s history to participate in a club competition. Compliments were also paid to Daithi Nevin, Patrick Sammon, Shane Durkan and Shauna Moran as this was their final year as junior anglers, with the hope of welcoming them back as senior anglers again next year.

Entries are now being taken for the next competition which is a Teams event scheduled for September 21. Contact Sean on 087-0644601, Declan on 087-6831216 or any member of the committee for more details and/or to book in.

RESULTS:

Overall: 1st, Thomas Moran (9 fish 170 points – Tom Moran Memorial Cup); 2nd, Irene Walsh (seven fish, 140pts – Tyrell O'Malley Cup); 3rd, Cormac Bourke (6 fish, 125pts – Kilroy Trophy); 4th, Josie Barrett (6 fish, 105pts – Carraigahowley Cup); 5th, Peter Coyne (9 fish, 90pts – Martin O'Grady Cup); 6th, Kevin Mortimer (4 fish, 85pts); 7th, Anthony Masterson (7 fish, 80 pts); 8th, Paul Murphy (4 fish, 80pts).

Best Senior Lady: Kathleen Donnellan (6 fish, 50pts – Jane O'Malley Cup).

Largest Fish category: Bullhuss: Thomas Moran (100cm); Ray, Thomas Moran (52cm); Ray (Jnrs), Paul Moran (40.5cm).

Juniors: 1st, Paul Moran (4 fish, 40pts – Margaret Moran Cup); 2nd, Liam Moran (6 fish, 30pts – Cunningham Shield); 3rd, Patrick Sammon (2 fish, 30pts); 4th, Shane Durkan (2 fish, 30pts); 5th, Leah Moran (3 fish, 15pts).

Junior League: 1st, Daithi Nevin, 13pts.

Junior Novice participants: Eoghan Powell and Oisin McLoughlin.

Skipper of the Day (Saturday): Joe Gibbons – The Finnaun.

Skipper of the Day (Sunday): Joe Gibbons – The Finnaun.