"When I first thought of setting up an angling centre, I wanted to ensure that I did it right. I contacted and met with the proprietors of existing fisheries around Ireland, and found the owners very open and helpful in providing me with guidance and support."
"Knowing what I wanted to achieve, and with support from my wife Joan, I began looking for a lake for sale. However, this proved easier said than done. We discussed this with friends, James and Yvonne Murray who were at the time considering methods of farm diversification in order to make their business sustainable for their sons. We decided to go into partnership, and use their nearby 12 acre field in which we would excavate a lake, and things have progressed since then."
Murloc Angling Centre has two lakes; the larger of which is approximately 5 acres in size, with an average depth of 10ft and with areas up to 20ft deep to provide shelter for the fish. Excavation of the lakes was a slow process; however, the gradient in the field ensured that no soil was taken off site. In order to provide for local wildlife, a half mile hedge runs along one side of the lane which leads to the lake; and bird boxes are accessible for local species. "Kids often miss out on the environment, and I hope that Murloc Angling Centre will be able to offer them the opportunity to get out and be a part of nature so that the countryside may survive."
"In the future, I would like to see the centre extended to include self catering accommodation for those seeking a relaxing week-end. I would also like the centre to offer country crafts such as willow sculpture, basket weaving and country cooking, which will help these traditions remain alive."
"I aspire to make Murloc Angling Centre one of the finest in Ireland."
