
I saw this fishing boat at the fishing pier in Crosshaven, Cork Harbour. An interesting name for a fishing boat in these challenging and difficult times for fishermen and the fishing industry. It is a difficult business these days. Perhaps a sense of humour or maybe realism aboard? I hope their fishing goes well.

Sofrimar is a big fish processor in Kilmore Quay and is expanding its business. It is the largest processor of whelk meat in Ireland, investing €678,000 to create additional space in its factory which will allow it to meet an increased demand for frozen cooked whole whelks in Asia and Europe. I didn’t know that Irish-caught whelk, by Irish fishermen, is being used for sushi in China and Japan. “At the moment, we send our cooked and raw whelk meat to Asia for further processing with cooked whelk meat canned in South Korea and sold locally. Our raw whelk meat is processed into sushi slices in China and sold in major sushi restaurant chains in Japan,” according to Lorcan Barden, the company’s Finance Director. “This new line for frozen cooked whole whelks in our expanded facility will enable value adding to be completed in Ireland, maximising revenue from the whelks landed by Irish boats. We currently employ 140 people with a further 20 new jobs to be created in our coastal community.”

Marine scientist and Church of Ireland Rector, William Spotswood Green,has been honoured in Sneem, Co.Kerry, for his work in establishing marine research, Marine scientist and fisheries expert, Kevin Flannery, commissioned a plaque which was unveiled in Sneem Cemetery at the grave of the Rector/Scientist. “No man will ever surpass the work he did, and I decided as a fishery scientist he had to be remembered.,” Mr Flannery said.
William Spotswood Green was born in Youghal, Co Cork. As an Inspector of Irish fisheries dealing with piers, fishing methods as well as equipment, he conducted research into developing the salt mackerel market for North America. A huge industry with coopers, salters and slitters, in ports like Daingean Uí Chúis evolved. Some 80,000 people were employed until the late 1920s. He died in 1919 at his home overlooking the sea near Caherdaniel.
“His work included playing a major part in the design of the research vessel Helga II and of the Ovoca, Ireland’s first motor fishing vessel, said Mr.Flannery in a lecture at the Church of Ireland in Sneem village, after the unveiling.