The River Drowes has produced Ireland's first salmon of the season on all but two or three occasions in the past 34 years. However, this year it was pipped at the post when Declan Briggs landed a 8.5lb bar of silver at Islandbridge on the River Liffey (photo, above). On the Drowes, Ian Martin caught his fish at 12 noon but Declan Briggs landed his Liffey salmon at 9.50am. Declan's capture was witnessed by Inland Fisheries Ireland’s fishery officer, Joe Delaney. Scales were taken from the multi sea-wintered fish before it was released to continue its journey upriver.

Ian Martin (pictured, right with fishery owner Shane Gallagher) caught the first salmon of the year last season.

The Liffey is closed to salmon fishing to conserve stocks but for one day only, January 1, the Dublin Salmon Anglers are permitted to fish for salmon on a catch-and-release basis.

(Photo: Inland Fisheries Ireland)