Judge glad to be off the hook as fishermen settle dispute

A FIVE-YEAR battle over fishing rights on one of Ireland’s best known rivers was settled yesterday before the case was due to be heard in the circuit court.

Two trustees of Fermoy Salmon Anglers’ Association took the case against four men, formerly members of FRAAG (Fermoy River Amenity Action Group), to prevent them fishing on a 1.5km stretch of the River Blackwater.

When the case was called before Judge Patrick Moran, at Fermoy Circuit Court, in Mallow yesterday, he was told a solution might be found.

Three times Judge Moran adjourned the case, and, following hours of talks, white smoke was eventually signalled by senior counsel David Holland, representing the salmon anglers.

Mr Holland said the former FRAAG members now recognised the salmon anglers’ title and had agreed not to fish the stretch for salmon — from Fermoy bridge to BUPA headquarters — without a permit.

In response, Mr Holland said that Fermoy Salmon Anglers’ Association would issue an additional 15 permits annually for salmon and would not discriminate against former FRAAG members who wished to apply. No costs would be sought for the case.

Judge Moran said he was glad both sides had settled their differences and recalled another fishing title case he heard, which took five days to conclude.