Cork man fishing illegally 'foolishly' gave false name to inspectors, court told

Judge Joanne Carroll struck out the charges on condition that the accused made a €300 contribution to the court poor box

Fisheries officers observed three men fishing with rods at the Gearagh and questioned them.  File photo

A Cork man who was caught fishing without a permit at the Gearagh near Macroom, Co Cork, gave false details to fisheries officers when he was questioned which ultimately led to him receiving a court summons.

The court was told that Liam Scannell of 23 Westside Estate, Togher, Cork, had gone with four friends to the Gearagh on April 10, 2025. Fisheries officers observed three of the men fishing with rods and questioned them. 

The men including Scannell did not have the required permits to fish in the area. The court heard that Scannell gave false details to the officers and as a result did not receive the subsequent fixed charge penalty notice in the post. 

Defence solicitor Sean Cahill said his client “foolishly” gave the wrong details which resulted in a court summons because he did not pay the fine.

He said Scannell — who is 6ft 7in tall — was not a regular fisherman and his sport of choice was basketball. He said that on the day he had gone with friends and brought a drone to film the Gearagh. 

He said Scannell was handed a rod by a friend and was caught fishing but it was something he rarely did. The court was told Scannell was almost qualified as an electrician and regretted his foolish mistake.

Judge Joanne Carroll struck out the charges on condition that Scannell made a €300 contribution to the court poor box.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme