Galway men convicted for illegal fishing

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Two Galway men have been convicted of illegal fishing on the Clare River last year. James Fahy, Ballindooley was convicted of three offences on two dates in June and August 2013, while Michael McGath, Polkeen, Castlegar was convicted of one offence in August 2013. Fisheries Inspector Pat Gorman told Galway District Court that on June 18 last, fishery officers observed a man using a net on the Clare River. When approached, the man attempted to reverse his vehicle down a side road, but fishery officers intervened and one, Paul Reynolds, was assaulted. James Fahy was apprehended, and a search of the vehicle revealed a net, 6 large salmon and 2 large trout. He pleaded guilty to illegal possession of the fish, and to assault and obstruction. He pleaded guilty to a further charge of illegal possession of a net at the same location on August 11th, when he was again observed by fishery officers fishing and then concealing a net. Judge Fahy fined Mr Fahy €1,750 with €600 costs, and ordered him to pay €500 compensation to Mr. Reynolds. The Judge commented illegal fishing hits already depleted fish stocks, and affects tourism. At the same court sitting, Michael McGath was convicted of illegal possession of a net on August 11th, and fined €100 with €600 costs. The post Galway men convicted for illegal fishing appeared first on Galway Bay FM.