Where workingmen unite

Lough Neagh fishermen form union

by Martin Donnelly

It was a momentous day for the fishermen of Lough Neagh when they made history on Sunday 18 May in Brocagh Co Tyrone. The fishermen, from around the Lough reclaimed their union, the ‘Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Association’ (LNFA) The union has been dormant for many years but the fishermen are adamant that a re-invigorated union will protect their industry which will benefit future generations. Leading trade unionist and former Chairperson of the Northern Ireland Congress of Trade Unions, Joe Bowers acting as advisor to the fishermen, addressed the meeting in Brocagh. Joe is well known for representing workers all over Ireland. He has a long Union experience in Harland and Wolff’s. Now Joe is working with men who sail a different boat – the fishing boat on Lough Neagh. He is doing it every bit as effectively.

During the long history of struggle for their rights the Lough Neagh fishermen decided there was a need for an independent trade union to protect their interests. The LNFA was formed in 1963 and played a central role in protecting the rights of all the Lough Neagh fishermen. In 1993 the Union was disbanded and replaced by an Employers Federation using the same name. Unfortunately this was done without any consultation with its members. What was once a lucrative industry for fishermen around the Lough is now an industry in decline. Not only is a 2000 year old industry facing extinction but the jobs and livelihoods of families who have worked the Lough for generations is gratuitously endangered.

The number of fishing boats has decreased in the last decade. The fishing community, which is an integral part of the wider agricultural community, are striving to put together a long-term strategy to protect their future and livelihoods. They see the revival of their union as a bold and positive step. There has been in recent years growing discontent among them as to the direction of the Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co-operative. This culminated in public meetings and consultations where the fishermen met to discuss strategic ways of de-limiting the negative impact of declining markets, part-time agricultural activity, loss of skills and stifled progression into the business. Many fishermen feel they are facing real economic hardship if something dynamic is not done to help promote the industry and preserve it for future generations

The LNFA plan to bring all issues relevant to the industry’s future into the public arena. They have lobbied politicians, such as the Ulster Unionists, SDLP, Sinn Fein and requested a meeting with the former Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Brid Rogers. Clearly the issues and concerns facing the fishermen
transcends all party politics. Yet despite this many politicians expressed little or no interest in their plight.

However, the fishermen remain optimistic that their future can be saved. Besides aiming at formulating a long-term strategy to protect the industry, they have also identified a need for an environmental strategy aimed at protecting the Lough from increasing pollution. Important aspects of their package includes improved working terms and conditions, i.e., pension schemes.
Joe Bowers put their demise in a nutshell; “These men have a hard life and work long hours for meagre rewards”. The widow of a deceased fisherman spoke to Fourthwrite regarding the impact of losing her husband who had fished the Lough all his life: “It wasn’t an easy life either, the year he died and at the age of 73 he was preparing for another season on the Lough”.

She went on to explain that the fishing season which lasted from May to September were the longest days; “All the family worked together as a unit helping to prepare the lines to catch the eels. It was important that the tradition was maintained via the family involvement.” She explained the hardship the work entailed. “My husband got up at 4 a.m. three times a week to get the boat prepared for a days work. He’d come off the Lough around 9 a.m. to get some breakfast and maybe try and catch a bit of sleep for a couple of hours. The work had to go on. Lines had to be untangled and prepared again for the next setting and lifting. It was tough work in all weathers and money had to be made while the season lasted.” Her husband died of a massive coronary six years ago. “He died without a pension. But he loved the Lough. It was in his blood, his father before him fished the Lough too”.

The fishermen look upon themselves themselves as indigenous people. Families and communities have lived on its shore from time immemorial. Lough Neagh’s fresh water lake was a prime source of nutritious food during the Famine. The eel is a much sought after exclusive product. The eels are packed in barrels and flown to Amsterdam. Catches are weighed and they are paid £1.30 per pound.

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