Anglers hook on to Westport for Helm Skate Festival

Anglers target Westport for Helm Skate Festival


Deep sea anglers from all over Ireland and many parts of England are coming to Westport for the week-end of Saturday and Sunday, October 1 and 2 to take part in The Helm Skate Festival, now one of the best-known sea angling events in Ireland.
Established 17 years ago by Vincent Keogh of the Helm Bar and Restaurant at Westport Quay, the festival provides a valuable end of season boost to tourism in the town.
It is fished over two days and prizes are awarded for points gained by catching different fish species.  There is a main cash prize of €2,000 for the biggest skate caught over the two days, hence the title of the festival.
Throughout the week-end there is a strong emphasis on conservation, with virtually all of the fish caught returned to the waters of Clew Bay.
Mr Keogh told The Mayo News that the level of this year’s entries was in keeping with previous years but stressed that a limited number of places were still available for would-be entrants.
“The anglers love coming to Westport for this festival and the publicity it has received in leading angling magazines and newspapers has given Westport a great tourism boost.  So many people now see Westport as a year-round destination and not just a place to visit during the summer.”
Mr Keogh said a great week-end was planned for all anglers and live entertainment and top quality fare would be provided each evening for everybody.

More information from Vincent or Shane Keogh at 098/26194.  Email:thehelm@eircom.net.