Parteen Salmon Hatchery celebrates 50 years
When ESB Fisheries Manager, Stephen Drummond Sedgewick, took the innovative decision to build a salmon hatchery at Parteen in 1958, it was with one intention – to assist nature in providing the majestic River Shannon with an abundant supply of what is known as, The King of Fish, ‘the salmon'. For the past 50 years, the people at Parteen have continued that mission with dedication and pride.
On friday, November 14th, fisheries staff, past and present, celebrated 50 years of success at Parteen Hatchery. It was a night of memories and reminiscences as the staff gathered with the wider fisheries community and colleagues, invited guests and staff of Ardnacrusha Power Station at the Castle Oaks Hotel in Castleconnell. Castleconnell has been long associated with salmon fishing and is a renowned fishing location world wide where many famous names have come on fishing holidays over the years.
The evening commenced, concelebrated by Fr. Kyne and Fr. Delaney with Mass in Castleconnell Church to remember the deceased members of staff. The gathering later adjourned to the Castle Oaks where a wonderful meal was enjoyed by everyone present. With assistance from ESB Archives, the fisheries staff had a wonderful display of photographs from the past and many retired colleagues from around the country enjoyed a trip down memory lane.
Fisheries Manager, Pat Gilbride, welcomed the guests and said the night was an opportunity to look back and remember and to celebrate the success of Parteen which was instrumental in the formation of the Salmon Farming industry along the West coast of Ireland in the 70's.
An inspiring talk on the history of the hatchery and the life of the smolts was delivered by Professor Noel Wilkens, Dept. of Zoology, NUI Galway, who has long been associated with the hatchery.
ESB Power Generation, Executive Director, Power Generation, Pat O'Doherty paid tribute to the staff, those currently in Fisheries and those who had gone before them, for their outstanding commitment – people like the late biologist, Noel Roycroft, who over three decades was a leader in hatchery and fish farming in Ireland and Paddy Barry, who was recognised as an expert in hatchery operations and fish husbandry. Pat also congratulated hatchery staff member, PJ Power, who is now in his 46th year of employment.
Following dinner and the formalities, guests took to the floor to enjoy a great night's dancing until the small hours. A wonderful night was had by all and great credit to the organising committee for leaving no stone unturned to make it a memorable evening for all those present.
