A low blow was dealt to the operation of the wheely boat, 'An Spiorad Saor John Mahon', in Fermoy with the mean-spirited theft of specialist tackle recently.

Fermoy has the only MK111 wheely boat registered in Ireland, specially adapted to be wheelchair accessible. It is widely used by disabled anglers, while also being used for angling trips generally and family sightseeing cruises. It is operated by Fermoy Town and District Anglers.

INCONVENIENCE

The theft of the tackle, which was specially modified for use by disabled anglers, took place on a recent weekday when the boat was moored at the new slipway at Fermoy Rowing Club. It occurred when the boat was left unattended for just an hour between 12.45pm and 1.45pm.

Disappointed wheely boat operator, Chris O'Donovan said the theft is a real inconvenience. "I can't put a value on it, in monetary terms it wasn't worth a lot, maybe a couple of hundred euro, but it's the fact that it was modified for use by disabled anglers. Part of it came from America."

"We're only a small organisation. Funding is so hard to come by. We have to fundraise to provide our disabled angling services," Chris pointed out.

He believes the fact that the boat and the slipway were obscured from view by the piling works being done along Ashe Quay as part of the flood relief scheme, worked in favour of the opportunist thief.

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