River Blackwater disaster: 'I have seen fish infections before but nothing like this'

Anglers describe heartbreak, fear and frustration as a mass fish kill devastates the River Blackwater and threatens its future

The River Blackwater at Ballyhooly, Co Cork, part of the major Munster waterway that has suffered a fish kill that is being termed 'an ecological disaster'. File picture: Larry Cummins

A small stream flowing behind John Flynn’s North Cork home was a haven of peace and tranquillity.  But in the past fortnight, the flowing waters have instead become a source of stress and anxiety, given the high numbers of dead fish he has seen in the stream since August 12.

For over 50 years, he has enjoyed fishing there.