Castleconnell – an historic fishery with hopes for the future

Ireland on the Fly

This week’s episode is a fascinating look at the famous Castleconnell Fishery on the River Shannon in Limerick with Pat O’Connor who is chair of the Castleconnell River Association.

It’s a fishery steeped in history when it was internationally renowned for its huge salmon in the 1800s to the early 1900s and it became a thriving centre for tackle development including the Castleconnell rod.

But since the Ardnacrusha development dammed the lower part of the Shannon in 1929 to provide power for the nascent Irish Free State, the fishery became a shadow of itself, and coupled with modern day issues around salmon numbers, it’s reckoned that they’re now at just 3% of their historic levels.

However, the Castleconnell River Association is trying to do its part in helping to save the existing broodstock and increase the numbers through conservation measures and ambitious projects.

Pat O’Connor takes us through the incredible history of the fishery as well as the work they are doing with some hope for the future.

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A Salmon Masterclass with Paddy McDonnellAre you passionate about fly fishing but struggling to catch more salmon? With declining numbers, having the right tactics and understanding how and where to catch salmon is more important than ever before.

On Thursday 20th June, one of Ireland's most renowned salmon anglers, Paddy McDonnell, gave a live webinar with insights and advice as to how to increase your catch rates on the water.

Born near the famed River Moy, Paddy had already caught thousands of salmon by his 20s and has dedicated his life to helping others catch salmon on the rivers and lakes on the west coast of Ireland.

For this Masterclass, Paddy sat down with Ireland on the Fly presenters, Tom Doc Sullivan and Daire Whelan, with tips and advice to catch more salmon this season.

** This webinar is now available to you to access and watch back at any time, plus you will also receive a copy of Paddy’s notes.**

Tickets cost €10 and you can register and pay by going to:

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5708122751527998295

** 50% Loyalty Discount **

As a loyalty bonus to those who have attended our two previous Masterclasses, we’re also pleased to offer a 50% discount for this Salmon Masterclass webinar.

If you already paid for our two previous Masterclasses and sign up for this one, then the €5 discount will be refunded to your account after you register and pay for this third webinar.

Just to say thank you for your loyal support of our Masterclass Series!

Who is giving the Masterclass?

Paddy McDonnell, one of Ireland’s most experienced and most respected salmon anglers, guides and instructors.

How do I access the webinar?

Once you register, you will receive an email with your unique link to log-in to access the webinar.

Register and pay for your access to A Salmon Masterclass with Paddy McDonnell at:

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5708122751527998295

Stay tuned for our masterclasses throughout 2024, covering salmon, rivers, loughs, streamers, lures, dries – everything to make you a better salmon or trout fly angler, helping you to catch more this year and learn from the best.

For more information email us on [e-mail]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.irelandonthefly.com