Village Inn win Newport SAC's final competition of 2026
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The Village Inn team, overall winners of the J. Coffey sponsored teams competition hosted by Newport SAC. The team were presented with their prizes by Shane Gilvarry (right) from Newport SAC on behalf of main sponsor J. Coffey Construction). From left: Paul Murphy, James Kenny and Peter Coyne. Missing was team member Anthony Masterson.Image 2 of 6
Daithi Nevin pictured with his 168lb Skate on board ‘Mo Chara’, skippered by Darragh McGee. Daithi was runner-up in the individual section and also won the largest fish prize.Image 3 of 6
Individual category winner with 17 fish and 300 points, Peter Coyne, accepting the Michael Joe McGreal Cup from Louise (daughter of the late Michael Joe McGreal). Peter was also the Newport SAC Master Angler for the 2026 season.Image 4 of 6
The Young Guns team, runners-up in the teams competition. From left: Club president Pat Moran with team members Shane Durkan, Daithi Nevin, Patrick Sammon and David Nevin.Image 5 of 6
Reg Roynane, skipper of the Lady Helen, who won boatman’s prize. Reg also received a special award to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Lady Helen in 1976.Image 6 of 6
A group of anglers from the UK and Ireland who took part in the Newport SAC teams competition 2026.NEWPORT SAC's final competition of the season saw a close finish, with just 10 points – two fish – separating first and second place after a day out on Clew Bay.
The Village Inn, Killala, emerged as winners - team members Paul Murphy, James Kenny, Peter Coyne and Anthony Masterson).
The Young Guns - Shane Durkan, Patrick Sammon, Daithi Nevin and David Nevin - came a very close second, and no doubt will be back next year to go a step further. While The Grainne Uaille team came in third place with local anglers Pat, David, Declan and Thomas Moran.
Nine teams of four competed for the much sought after Teams Cup, sponsored by J. Coffey, the new addition of the Michael Joe McGreal Memorial Cup for the individual winner, and the Club Master Angler for the year title.
Prize presentations took place in The Grainne Uaille (winners of last year's local shield), with the chairman thanking the anglers for taking part and acknowledging the enormous achievement of a club of its size to reach its 60th anniversary (the club was formed in 1966).
Prior to the presentation of the Michael Joe McGreal Cup, his daughter, Louise, recalled her late father's connection with the sea and in particular his love of sea angling. Louise also spoke of his strong friendship with local man Michael O'Haire, who sponsored the new cup in his memory, and paid tribute to all involved who helped to make the day so special for the wider McGreal family in attendance.
When all scores were tallied up, the winning team ended up only 10 points clear of their closest rivals (the equivalent of two fish). The runnersup pushed the winners all the way on their impressive debut in the seniors category. The contest from fifth to ninth places was also a tight affair as the last five teams were only separated by seven fish - 35 points.
The winning team trophy and prizes were presented by Newport SAC president Pat Moran on behalf of J. Coffey Construction to The Village Inn. Each member received €100 in prize money as well as an NSAC plaque and winning trophy.
Peter Coyne claimed the individual winner's title and lifted the Michael Joe McGreal Cup following his haul of 17 fish and 300 points. Runnerup was Daithi Nevin in his first outing in the senior category. Daithi landed a large common skate with a wingspan of 61 inches and an estimated weight of 168lbs on board 'Mo Chara'. Daithi also won the largest fish prize as well for his efforts.
Reg Roynane was presented with a special award to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the launch of his boat by his late father Reg Snr. He also received the boatman's prize for having the best average catch on the day.
Peter Coyne was presented with the League Cup and the title of NSAC club Master Angler 2026.
The club invites anyone who wishes to get involved or help out to make contact with any member of the committee.
NEWPORT SAC TEAMS COMPETITION RESULTS
1st, The Village Inn (34 fish - 410 points) - James Kenny (10 fish, 50 points), Anthony Masterson (4 fish, 20 points), Paul Murphy (3 fish, 40 points), Peter Coyne (17 fish, 300 points).
2nd, The Young Guns and David Nevin (32 fish - 400 points) - Shane Durkan (5 fish, 80 points), Patrick Sammon (10 fish, 50 points), David Nevin (8 fish, 70 points), Daithi Nevin (9 fish, 200 points).
3rd, The Grainne Uaile (47 fish - 345 points) - David Moran, Declan Moran, Pat Moran, Thomas Moran.
4th, Westport House (33 fish - 265 points) - Sean Fahy, Irene Walsh, Mary O'Haire, Sean Kilroy.
5th, Electro Rent (20 fish - 240 points) - Stephen Moran, Pritt Moran, David Moran, UK, Danny Murphy.
6th, Gilvarry's (42 fish - 230 points) - Shane Gilvarry, Peter McKeown, Cormac Burke, Ciaran McGowan.
7th, O'Haire Transport (21 fish - 220 points) - Tom Moran, Ed McGreal, Michael Walsh, Michael Staunton.
8th, PMB QS (26 fish - 210 points) - Thomas O'Brien, Patrick O'Brien, Joseph O'Brien, Michael O'Brien.
9th/Wooden Spoon, The Geezers / Mary's of Mulranny (28 fish - 205 points) - Mary Pavey, Jason Moran, Gareth Williams, Shauna Moran.
Local Shield: The Grainne Uaille.
Overall individual winner (Michael Joe McGreal Memorial Cup): Peter Coyne (17 fish - 300 points); runner-up (J. Coffey Cup): Daithi Nevin (9 fish - 200 points).
Largest fish: Daithi Nevin (168lb skate).
Club Master Angler 2026: Peter Coyne with 13 points.
Skipper of the day: Reg Roynane, who skippered The Lady Helen on its 50th year Anniversary.
* Report by Declan Moran