Oyster lovers get taste of Joyce

JOYCEAN sayings, memories of Roman emperors and talk of Cassanova surfaced in Westport, Co Mayo, at the weekend.

And it was all due to quality oysters and the place they have occupied in literature and folklore over the centuries.

The occasion was the All-Ireland 2003 Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) Guinness Quality Oyster Awards, which attracted 300 entrants from the four provinces.

James Joyce, who once said the union of Guinness and oysters was “probably the best taste sensation in the world” would certainly have been pleased.

There weren’t any Roman emperors about to barter oysters weight by weight for gold, as they did in the ancient past. And the links with Cassanova were merely confined to mention of his reputed likeness for the shell-fish when served with champagne.

However, there was keen competition for the awards. First place in the native category went to Michael Egan, Clarenbridge Oyster Co-op, Galway.

In the Gigas Oyster (over 75 tonnes) category, first, second and third prizes were respectively won by Michael and Robbie Murphy, Sherkin Oysters, Co Cork, Pat Dineen, PKA Ltd, Dungarvan, Co Waterford and Damien Reid, Donegal Oysters.

In the under 75 tonnes category, first place was awarded to Eugene Fitzpatrick, Bannow, Co Wexford, and Padraic Gannon, Croagh Patrick Seafoods, Co Mayo. Third place was awarded to Gerard and Martin McNulty, Clew Bay, Co Mayo.

The competition aims to raise the profile of Irish oysters at home and abroad.