YOUGHAL FISHERMAN KEVIN MURPHY got a monster surprise when he found a giant lobster amongst his catch while ray fishing two miles north of Capel Island. “He weighed 11 lbs and was over 30 inches long,” says Kevin. The average lobster measures about a foot and weighs approximately 2 lbs.

Ageing a lobster is a delicate and indefinite science but experts gauge that the creatures’ size increases by about 15% each time they moult. A young lobster (5-7 years) moults about 25 times a year and adult once or twice per annum. Older lobsters moult only every 3-4 years. By this criterion, Kevin estimates his catch is “probably about 80 years old” –or about 33 years older than the fisherman himself!

It was the third time in 15 months that the father of three has netted an unusual lobster aboard his boat Sea Lion. In June 2010 he landed a massive 20 year-old, white female weighing 10 lb. Last March he brought ashore a 10½ lb crustacean again stretching almost 30 inches. All belong to the European lobster class –scientifically called homarus gammarus.

As previously, Kevin intended to return his rare recruit to the sea after finalising photographic proof. However, Aherne’s seafood restaurant asked to display the creature –whom they christened Jimmy- for a day to in their foyer. It was then decided to offer Jimmy a new lifestyle free from the risk of fishing nets. Dingle aquarium declined to offer permanent accommodation but Lahinch Seaworld was “absolutely delighted” to be offer lodgings to the lobster and Jimmy was transported to his new accommodation last Saturday.

The Guinness Book of Records says the largest lobster ever caught was found in Nova Scotia in 1934, measuring 3.51 feet and weighed 44.4 lbs. With the help of Clare hospitality, who is to say young Jimmy won’t yet get this pincers on the title?

Youghal 1978ish!!-The building/opening/blessing of the pier head(jetty) and other stuff!!

Video: 22rochey

Proud To Be A Part Of Queen Of The Sea Festival

The weather failed to dampen the spirit’s of the large crowd who turned out for the Queen of The Sea festival event held in Youghal last weekend, and one business who were particularly proud to be a part of the event was Abbey Seafood, the new business venture, who usually operate in Dolphin Square Carpark on a Friday and Saturday came to the event armed with lots of fresh fish (and lollipops) having moved for the day to become part of the highly acclaimed family event.

Businessman and ex-Fisherman Adrian said “We were amazed by the crowds that came to the event, and gave us the chance to expand our already growing customer base, and handout recipes and colouring sheets to those attending.  Even the weather didn’t seem to put people off, and the buzz was electric, we hope that events like these become a regular fixture in Youghal.”  The business, run by two brothers, has flourished since their set-up in Youghal, and they have quickly established a large customer base, with regular customers helping to spread the word.

Offering the freshest seafood around, Abbeyseafood aim to bring fish to everyone, and prove once and for all that you don’t have to be a chef, to cook fish.  Adrian also added “Our Mother is from Youghal, so we knew that we would be welcomed by family members, but the welcome that we have got has gone over and above this, we have found some of the friendliest people live in the town, and we are delighted to be here.”   Brother John, who is also involved in the business, said “We aim to prove to people that fish doesn’t have to be frightening and that it can be part of your daily diet, you don’t have to be Jamie Oliver to put together the perfect fish dish.”

With over 30 years combined fishing experience, the brothers have proved that there is life after the construction industry.  Both brothers were unemployed after the collapse of the industry and decided to go back to their roots in order to gain employment and also bring a new asset to the town, by offering everyone the chance to buy fresh fish at competitive prices.

Don’t take our word for it, why not join Abbey Seafood in Dolphin Square on Friday or Saturday from 10am to 4pm, and put their knowledge to the test, or if you can’t make it to the market, why not get them to come to you, just call 087 3668833 or 086 0540963 and they can bring the fish direct to your door!

 

By Oona Colin | Photo: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

Youghal Fisherman Barry Clohessy

Local fisherman Barry Clohessy is outraged with the Department of Marine for ignoring the seal damage to his livelihood. Seals are a protected species in this country but the damage they are doing to nets and the living of the local fishermen is shocking.

Since 2007 Salmon fishing has been banned in these parts because stocks were down. Now the seals that used to feed on the salmon in the nets are now moving inshore and attacking the monkfish caught in the nets.

“The seals are ruining inshore fishing,” says Barry “they are feeding on monkfish, pollack and any kind of whitefish because of the ban on salmon fishing. The seals used to feed on the salmon in the nets but Read more