31 OCT 2020
- FURTHER NARGC STATEMENT – 31.10.’20
BAN ON RECREATIONAL HUNTING
Following on from our Statement of yesterday, the NARGC has, all yesterday evening and again today, been in touch with Government Ministers and a wide array of other politicians, together with the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána and his staff, endeavouring, on your behalf, to regularise what we believe is a false interpretation of SI.448 of 2020 which, it appears, An Garda Síochána is relying upon in issuing the Press Release outlined on its website, dated 29.10.20.
The NARGC is delighted to report that legal opinion sought from Mr. Mark de Blacam, SC has now been delivered to the Association which unambiguously states that the activity of rough pheasant shooting does not fall within the scope of SI.448/2020 as published. The NARGC has already placed this legal Opinion, from this eminent SC, before the Garda Commissioner and his staff with a call to immediately amend or remove the ‘no hunting’ instruction on the Garda website.
It is extremely important that we all respect the rule of law, even in circumstances where we believe the same to be an incorrect interpretation of SI.448/2020. Therefore, unless we have some further development before tomorrow morning, we would advise members not to engage in rough pheasant shooting on November 1st. Of course vermin shooting may be engaged in.
If the Garda Authorities and Government do not act forthwith, then the Association may find it necessary to take this matter before the High Court next week, to seek appropriate Injunctive relief on the subject matter.
When and if further developments arise in the coming hours, we will immediately advise everyone through our website (www.nargc.ie) and our Facebook pages.
Dan Curley
National Chairman
NARGC
01 April 2020
Update on Corona Virus Covid 19, For Crop protection, Animal Health and protection. All RGC’s, Clubs, Members As you know, currently and up to the 12th April, there is a lockdown in place, where you have to stay at home or go on very limited journeys within 2KM of your home. However Certain activities deemed essential services are allowed, see the exemption for Agriculture below. The NARGC has got Clarification from the Gardai this morning, as follows; If a farmers requests you do crop protection / animal protection – vermin control, it is allowed provided you get it in writing ( Email will suffice ), and have that written request with you if stopped by the Gardai. We ask our members to follow the above rules, employ common sense, and all the other rules and protocols around Covid 19, if helping out a farmer at this vermin control. Dan Curley, NARGC Chairman Services provided in the following areas are considered to be essential. Agriculture and Fishing • farmers • farm labourers • farm relief service workers • others involved directly or indirectly in crop and animal production and related activities (including veterinary services), and workers involved in fishing
28th August 2019-club Notice
Given the proximity to the start of the Season, I would urge all clubs to ensure that they are affiliated and that all members renewals are returned in a timely fashion to the CFO (087 923 1711). As you are all well aware Tom’s average turnaround is two to three days in this regard but given the time of the year I would expect that the Compensation Fund Administrators office will be busy, so in the event that you have renewals please ensure same are dealt with.
10th August 2019-Club Notice
There will be a Partridge breeding information day at Boora on Saturday 17th August next. Anyone interested in attending should contact the GGHA Chairman for further details.
26th July 2019-Members Notice
Woodford Gun Club is holding a clay shoot at Porters Field on Monday 5th August and there is a shoot in aid of the Offaly Hospice at Esker SG on Sunday 18th August next.
26th July 2019-Clubs Notice
All clubs are reminded that the closing date for receipt of Game and Wildfowl Grant applications is 1st August next.
17th July 2019-Clubs Notice
We would like to remind all clubs that the current GGHA membership fees are as follows:
- Full membership-€70
- Reduced membership (aged under 19 and over 70 on 01/08/19)-€35
- Junior membership (aged under 14 on 01/08/19)-€10
- Club membership-€50
The above amounts are inclusive of NARGC Compensation Fund membership and exclusive of additional club fees.
4th May 2019-Members Notices
The latest Declaration under Regulation 3(1) (A) with regard to the control of species posing a threat to crops, livestock and fauna has now been published. Members should please note the terms of same and ensure compliance.
Application forms for this years NARGC Grouse Development Project are also now available in the Grants section.
25th April 2019-Clay Shooting Notices
The GGHA Annual County Shoot will take place on Sunday, May 19th at Poolboy, Ballinasloe. Completed entry forms to be returned by Friday 9th May 2019 to Michael Lally, Glenaviel, Abbeyknockmoy, Tuam, Co. Galway.
Galway County Team Additional Selection Shoots: (1) Esker SG-Saturday 4th May 2019; (2) Ballinasloe SG-Saturday 11th May 2019; (3) Esker SG-Saturday 25th May 2019 and (4) Ballinasloe SG-Saturday 1st June 2019.
NB: Last entries for these shoots is 5.50pm, all shooters must be ready to start at 6pm and no qualifier sheets will be handed out before 5.30pm. All squads will be accompanied by a “Clay committee or GGHA Executive member”.
11th April 2019
We would like to congratulate Dr David Scallan on his appointment as the Secretary General of FACE. David was the Honorary Secretary of the GGHA for a number of years and this new appointment is just recognition of his work for our sport locally, nationally and internationally. Well done David!
6th April 2019-GGHA Raffle
Tickets for the GGHA raffle will be available through Club Secretaries in the coming days. First prize is a Beretta Silver Pigeon 1 Sporter, plus many other spot prizes and the draw will take place at Ballinasloe Shooting Grounds after the County Shoot on 19th May 2019.
Tickets cost €5 or a book of 5 for €20 and this years sponsors, The Wild Hunter Galway will also give a 5% discount to anyone presenting a ticket stub.
3rd April 2019-Woodcock Survey
As part of the NARGC’s strategy of safeguarding the future of our sport, it is supporting a Woodcock survey in combination with the long standing wings and bag return schemes. A key element of this survey is identifying the number of home breeding birds through observation of roding flight etc. and the GGHA would request that any members who are in a position to contribute to the survey would please do so.
Further details are available on Twitter and the UCC web site.
3rd April 2019-Members Notices
The 2019 GGHA application forms for the Club Activities Grant Programme, Game Bird and Wildfowl Grant Programme, Game Crop Grant Programme, Mink Bounty Scheme and Vermin Control Grant Programme are now available for download. We would like all applicants to please note the closing dates for receipt of completed forms.
The NARGC Club of the Year application form is also now available which as a result of work carried out by the GGHA also now has details of how the points in this competition are awarded. We hope to have the GGHA Club of the Year application form available in the coming days in the Forms section.
Club Activities Promotion Grant Programme-2019
Game Bird and Wildfowl Grant Programme-2019
Game Crop Grant Programme-2019
NARGC-GGHA Mink Bounty Scheme-2019
Vermin Control Grant Programme-2019
NARGC Club of the Year Application Form
Please note that the County Shoot will take place on Sunday 19th May 2019 at Ballinasloe Shooting Grounds, the full details and entry forms etc. for which will be circulated to Club Secretaries.
4th February 2019-Members Notice
The next quarterly meeting of the GGHA will take place at 8pm on Friday 8th March in the Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry.
30th January 2019-Game Night Reminder
A “Game” night in aid of the Galway Parkinsons Association will be hosted by the GGHA in Dan’s Bar, North Gate Street, Athenry on Friday 15th February next. Further details from Gabe Cronnelly on 087 2066810, your support would be appreciated thank you.
21st December 2018-Members Notices
The GGHA Executive would like to wish all our members a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of our Association over the past year, and we hope that 2019 will bring us to new heights. The latest NARGC Newsletter is now available and we would like to remind everyone that safety must be paramount as we embark on a festive season of sport.
6th December 2018-Gizzard Survey
The GGHA contact for the NARGC Gizzard Survey is Gabe Cronnelly (087 2066810). Further details of the survey are available in the attached Gizzards Survey-letter
23rd November 2018-Members Notices
The latest NARGC Newsletter is now available and the GGHA would like to remind members of the 2018-19 deer shooting season details.
18th November 2018 – Meeting Notice
A meeting for GGHA clubs based in the west of the county will take place at 8pm on Wednesday 5th December next in Peacockes Hotel, Maam Cross. Further details are available from Club Secretaries in the applicable region.
15th November 2018 – Charity Game Night
A “Game” night in aid of the Galway Parkinsons Association will be hosted by the GGHA in Dan’s Bar, North Gate Street, Athenry on Friday 15th February next. Anyone wishing to donate game, sponsor a dish or get further details may do so from Gabe Cronnelly on 087 2066810. Your support would be appreciated thank you.
9th November 2018 – Meeting Notice
The next quarterly meeting of the GGHA will take place at 9pm on Friday 23rd November 2018 in the Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry. Further details are available from club Secretaries.
9th November 2018 – Photo Competition
GGHA members are asked to submit shooting related photographs from the current season to [email protected] for use in slide shows at Association meetings etc. A prize will be raffled among all entries received on or before 1st February 2019, so get snapping.
9th November 2018 – 2019 Calendar of Events
All clubs are reminded to please submit notice of upcoming events and activities for 2019 before 1st December next to [email protected] for inclusion in the GGHA calendar.
8th October 2018 – Notice To All Clubs
The GGHA has become aware of incidents of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in reared pheasants. Mycoplasma is a bacterial respiratory disease which is debilitating, and fatal. Once it gets into a flock all birds are infected and carriers for life. While antibiotics will keep the birds alive they are still carriers and will infect other birds. Infected hens will also pass on the disease to their chicks through the egg.
If such birds are released into the wild, this disease will become entrenched in our pheasant population. Therefore vigilance is required by all to ensure only Mycoplasma clean birds are being released.
We strongly advise that before taking possession of game birds, all clubs should get assurances from their suppliers that their flocks are Mycoplasma free. If any doubt exists, seek veterinary certification of their disease free status.
4th September 2018 – AGM Update
The GGHA AGM will now take place on Friday September 21st, details with club secretaries
30th Aug 2018 – AGM Update
The GGHA AGM will now take place on Friday September 7th, details with club secretaries
10th Aug 2018 – AGM
The GGHA AGM will take place on Thursday Aug 30th, details with club secretaries
28th June 2018 – Woodford Clay Shoot
Monday 6th August, details here
10th June 2018 – Final qualifying Scores
Final standing here
29th May 2018 – Latest qualifying scores
Overall Standings here
29th May 2018 – Round 3 Results (County Shoot)
Standings after this weekends county shoot are here
Full county Scores (inc. teams) here updated
24th May 2018 – County Shoot Timetable
The timetable for this weekends shoot can be found here
21st May 2018 – Round 2 Results
Please find results for the County Shoot second round qualifying held in Balinasole on Saturday the 19th here
20th May 2018 – Pat Donlon RIP
The death has occurred of Patrick (Pat) DONLON, Portrun, Ballymurray, Roscommon. (Unexpectedly), he will be very sadly missed by his wife Agnes, son Patrick, daughter Elaine, grandchildren Kevin and Shauna, brothers, sisters, son-in-law Junior.
16th May 2018 – Round 1 Results
Please find results for the County Shoot first round in Esker held on Saturday 12th here
4th May 2018 – Tynagh & District Gun Club – Clay Shoot
50 Bird Sporting & 15 Bird DTL | Poolboy Shooting Grounds on Sunday May 13th | Full details here
24th April 2018 – County Shoot Details
Please find updated details on County Shoot and Quailifiers here
24th February 2018 – Hen Harrier Project – Consultation Report
Some interesting information for Gun Clubs within listed Hen Harrier SPA’ – Read the initial report here
9th February 2018 – Quarterly Meeting
The GGHA Quarterly Meeting takes place on Friday 9th February. Contact your club Secretary for full details.
1st February 2018 – Proficiency Course
The GGHA will host a Proficiency Course on Easter Monday April 2nd at the Raheen Woods hotel. More details available from Mick Lally on 086-8788365
23rd August 2017 – AGM Reminder
Reminder that the GGHA AGM will take place on Friday September 8th @ 9pm. Full details and reports are with Club Secretaries
18th August 2017 – Cancelled Dunmore Clay Shoot
Please note this weekend clay shoot (Sunday 20th) in Dunmore has been cancelled.
5th August 2017 – Woodford Clay Shoot
Woodford Gun Club Clay Shoot Monday Aug 7th – full details here
10th July 2017 – National Shoot Results
Some great results from the GGHA team over the weekend at the National Shoot. Details & photos here
6th July 2017 – AGM
The GGHA AGM will take place on friday September 8th @ 9pm
11th June 2017 – GGHA County Team Qualifiers
The final results from this weekend team qualifiers are available here
7th June 2017 – GGHA Quarterly Meeting
The Next Quarterly Meeting of the GGHA will take place on Friday the 23rd June, details with club secretaries
6th June 2017 – GGHA County Team Qualifiers
The latest qualifiers results here
27th May 2017 – GGHA County Team qualifiers
GGHA County Team qualifiers – Details here
21st May 2017 – County Shoot Results
County Shoot results are available here
17th May 2017 – County Shoot Schedule
This years County Shoot schedule can be found here
9th May 2017 – Proposed Ban on Night Time Shooting
Please sign the NARGC petition in opposition to proposed changes to night time shooting. Full details and information here
4th May 2017 – County Shoot Divisions
The county shoot divisions for 2017 can now be found here
21st April 2017 – County Shoot
The 2017 GGHA County Shoot will take place in Poolboy, Ballinasloe on Sunday May 21st. full details have been circulated to club sectaries
27th March 2017- Proficiency Course
REMINDER: The GGHA will be hosting a full Proficiency Course on Easter Monday, April 17th. For full details & booking please contact Michael Lally, GGHA Safety Officer. Full details have also been circulated to Club Secretaries
20th March 2017 – Bag Return Forms
Bag Return forms are now due. Please send to the GGHA Secretary before March 31st in order to qualify for pheasant & Mallard grants, vermin grants, game crop grants and Club of the Year entry.
9th March 2017 – Quarterly Meeting
The GGHA Quarterly Meeting takes place on Thursday 16th March @ 21:00. Contact your club Secretary for full details.
2nd March 2017 – Open Clay Shoot
Open Clay shoot on Sunday April 2nd at Ballinsole Shooting Grounds. 25 Birds DTL (team Event) & 10 Bird D/Rise & 30 Brid Sporting – More information here
19th February 2017- Proficiency Course
The GGHA will be hosting a full Proficiency Course on Easter Monday, April 17th. For full details & booking please contact Michael Lally, GGHA Safety Officer. Full details have also been circulated to Club Secretaries
13th February 2017- Avian Flu Update
Latest case report from NARGC – Here
31st January 2017 – NARGC & Garda Siochána Strike New Accord
Following the recent talks at Garda Headquarters, N.A.R.G.C. and An Garda Síochána have brokered a new accord that will pave the way for N.A.R.G.C. Members to overcome their Firearms Licensing issues. Read more here:
16th January 2017 – Avian Flu Update
Please find latest DOA Press Release in regard to Avian Flu Link
20th December 2016 – Happy Christmas
Wishing all our members a Happy Christmas & New Year.
21st October 2016 – Quarterly Meeting
The GGHA Quarterly Meeting takes place on Friday November 25th @ 21:00. Contact your club Secretary for full details.
6th September 2016 – Vermin Control Derogation
The NARGC Predator Control Officer, Seamus Heraty, wishes to remind you that the derogation for trapping grey crows and magpies, for the protection of fauna, nests and young game birds, ends on the 30th day September 2016. Please see link to NPWS here
23rd Aug 2016 – 100 Bird Charity Shoot
100 Bird Charity Shoot in Aid of Luks’s Giant Step, Full Details here
5th Aug 2016 – GGHA AGM
The GGHA AGM will take place on Friday Aug 26th. Full details & nomination papers have been communicated to all club secretaries.
20th July 2016 – Woodford Gun Club Clay Shoot
Full details of the Woodford Gun Club Clay Shoot on Monday August 1st – here
7th July 2016 – NARGC National Clay Shoot
Good luck to the GGHA team in the N.A.R.G.C. All Ireland County and Club Sporting Championships which will be held on Saturday and Sunday, the 9th and 10th July.
27th June 2016 – Article Irish Times
Interesting article on Mink from the Irish Times on June 25th highlighting some good work done by Killimer Gun Club – Full article here
24th June 2016- INTER CLUB 25 BIRD D.T.L
Venue: Ballinasloe shooting ground July 3rd Full details here
10th June 2016 – Quarterly Meeting
The GGHA Quarterly Meeting takes place on Friday June 24th @ 21:00.
9th June 2016- County Shoot Team Qualification
Please find the current qualification scores after 3/5 rounds complete here
There are still 2 qualifying shoots remaining so there is still time for anyone who has not shot since the county shoot to qualify for the team. Everyone is welcome at the shoots.
- Ballinasloe – Saturday 11th June 4.30 to 7.00
- Esker – Saturday 18th June 6.00 to 8.00
25th May 2016 -GGHA County Team
Following on from the successful running of the 2016 County Shoot in Ballinasloe Shooting Ground we are announcing the series of qualifiers for the Galway County Team. This will be run over 4 evenings, with your best 2 scores to count PLUS your score from the County Shoot.
The 4 evenings are:
28th May | Ballinasloe | 4.30 to 7.00
4th June | Esker | 6.00 to 8.00
11th June | Ballinasloe | 4.30 to 7.00
18th June | Esker | 6.00 to 8.00
This evenings are open to all shooters regardless of whether or not you are going forward for the county team.
22nd May 2016 – County Shoot Results
Full results of the County Shoot are now available here
19th May 2016 – County Shoot timetable
County Shoot timetable for Sunday available here
18th May 2016 – Game Crop 2016 Application Form
The Game crop application form can be downloaded here. Closing date for submissions is Friday June 24th 2016
10th May 2016 – GGHA County Shoot
The GGHA Annual County Shoot is taking place on Sunday, May 22nd at Poolboy, Ballinasloe. Full details & entry forms available here
8th May 2016 – Final Vermin Count Notification
The final GGHA Vermin Count will take place on the Friday, 27th May 2016 at 8pm (usual locations). The mink tail bounty still stands.
10 April 2016 – Calendar of Shoots
All shoot dates have now been added to the online calendar. Full documented list available here
04 April 2016 – GGHA Game Crop Grant Reminder
The GGHA would like to remind all clubs that in order to qualify for Game Crop Grants clubs must submit vermin returns (min. 300 points) & Bag return Forms. The total grant available is €4000
01 April 2016 – Bag Returns – Now overdue
Please note Bar Return forms are now due. Clubs who fail to return bag returns forms will not qualify for the following GGHA grants
- Game Crop Grants
- Pheasant & Mallard Poults
- Vermin Equipment Grant
31st March 2016 – GGHA County Shoot
The GGHA County Shoot will take place on Sunday May 22nd at Ballinasloe
25th March 2016 – Quarterly Meeting
The GGHA Quarterly Meeting takes place on Friday April 1st @ 20:30.
18th Feburary 2016 – GGHA Proficiency Course
The GGHA Proficiency Course will take place on March 28th (Easter Monday) at the Raheen Woods. The course begins at 9am. Contact Michael lally
14th December 2015 – Vermin Competition 2016
Please note this years vermin competition will run until May 27th 2016. Counts will take place on Friday December 18th 2015 & Friday May 27th 2016 at 8pm in the usual count centers.
5th November 2015 – Game release programs
A very interesting article in this weeks Irish independent featuring some work done by NARGC Gun Club. – Link Here
10th November 2015 – NARGC GameShot 2015
This years NARGC Magazine GameShot can be viewed here
1st November 2015 – Ban on sale of Woodcock
The Minister for Arts Heritage & the Gaeltacht yesterday afternoon banned the sale of Woodcock with effect from 1st November 2015. This is a direct result of the initiative undertaken by NARGC to achieve this and in so doing, disrupt the activities of tourist shoot operators. The ban ahead of the 2015 season was expected. It follows a number of meetings which I have had with the Minister and her officials over the past year and also having persuaded a number of key stakeholders to support our call. These were the Woodcock Association of Ireland, BirdWatch Ireland and notably the Association of Game Shoot Operators. While it will not cure all the ills which flow from tourist shooting, it will nonetheless collapse the commercial market for this species as selling woodcock is now a wildlife crime. Anyone being aware of any instance of sale should report the details to both the Gardai and the NPWS immediately.
25th October 2015 – Quarterly Meeting
The GGHA Quarterly Meeting takes place on Thursday 29th Oct @ 9pm.
22nd September 2015 – Minister Fitzgerald announces changes to Firearms Licensing
The Minister for Justice & Equality, France Fitzgerald TD, published last Friday, September the 18th, a new S.I. (attached) governing the licensing of target handguns together with announcing planned new arrangements for the administration of the firearms licensing system generally. Full details here
8th September 2015 – Predator Control & the Law
Predator control has been a well-known part of game management for centuries. For Gun Clubs, the objective is to suppress numerically common species known to be predators of gamebirds and mammals. In most cases, these include fox, grey crow, magpie, grey squirrel, mink and rat. The laws governing predator control, particularly in regard to the specific licences and derogations, are sometimes misunderstood and the legislation often changes. Full details here
4th September 2015 – NARGC RED Grouse Conference & Open Day
The NARGC Red Grouse Sub Committee is pleased to invite RGCs and their respective Gun Clubs to a Red Grouse Conference/Open Day on Saturday, September 26th 2015 in Glenfarne, Co. Leitrim. More details here
30th July 2015 – GGHA AGM
The Galway Game Hunting Association AGM is taking place on Thursday the 13th of August 2015 at 9pm.for full details check with your club Secretary
27th July 2015 – Woodford GC Annual Open Shoot
Monday 3rd August, Down The Line, ABT and Sporting Traps. Cash Prizes also Pete Leonard Memorial Cup (Springing Teal), Con Porter Memorial Cup (DTL Novice). Starts 11:00, BBQ and Refreshments Available. GPS 53°02’58.5″N 8°18’28.6″W
More details here
21st Jul 2015 – Inter-club DTL Cay Shoot
Please find details of an inter-club DTL clay shoot taking place on Sunday in Ballinasloe.Here
20th July 2015 – NARGC National Shoot Results
Congratulations to GGHA County Team who finished 2nd in Division 2 and to Lisa Hoban who won the ladies Competition. Full results here
19th June 2015 – County Shoot Results & Photos
The Galway Game Hunting Association annual County Shoot took place in Poolboy, Ballinasloe on Sunday, May 24th in perfect weather conditions. Results and photos from this years county shoot now available here
6th June 2015 – Quarterly Meeting
The GGHA Quarterly Meeting takes place on June 11th @ 9pm. All clubs are asked to attend as 2015/2016 membership forms will be available for collection.
1st June 2015 – GGHA Grant Submission Deadline
Please note the closing date for GGHA grants is Friday 19th June 2015.This Include Game Crop Grants, Predator Control Equipment Grants and Club of the Year Submissions.
27th May 2015 – County Shoot Team Selection
Individuals wishing to compete for the GGHA County Team (12 persons) must participate in an additional three selection shoots. The GGHA County Shoot score is compulsory, plus two additional scores from any of the three selection shoots. The optional pair only applies for the GGHA County Shoot. The selection shoots take place in Ballinasloe Shooting Grounds on:
- 6pm, Saturday, 30th May 2015
- 6pm, Saturday, 6th June 2015
- 6pm, Saturday, 13th June 2015
9th April 2015 – GGHA Annual County Shoot
The GGHA Annual County Shoot is taking place on Sunday, May 24. If your club wishes to take part, please return the enclosed entry from to me by Friday, May 8th 2015.
Evening of Instruction for Club Safety Officers
In conjunction with the NARGC, the GGHA has organised an ‘Evening of Safety Instruction Course’ for Gun Club Safety Officers in Galway. It will take place in the Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry, on Wednesday, 25th of September 2013 at 7:00 p.m. Please contact your Club Secretary for more information.
GGHA/Derrydonnelly-Athenry Gun Club Wild Game & Fish Night, Dan’s Bar, Athenry for Cancer Care West
Please make the members of your Gun Club aware that the annual Wild Game & Fish Night will take place on Friday, 6th of December 2013 in Dan’s Bar, Athenry, Co. Galway. Further enquiries to Gabe Cronnelly (087-2066810).