Cllr takes aim at pheasant shooting proposal

There was disagreement among councillors over a proposal calling for an extension of the Pheasant Shooting Season into February 2021 to compensate for time lost this November.

Fianna Fáil’s Aiden Fitzpatrick said it could “not support” the motion tabled by Fine Gael’s TP O’Reilly, which called into question the Government’s decision to prohibit shooting game birds under Level Five health restrictions even if the participant is hunting alone and within five kilometres from their home.

He said that Cavan has a number of active gun clubs, which are part of a national network boasting 50,000 plus members.

Sunday, November 1, marked the beginning of the game shooting season, and for many involved in the sport, it is the biggest day in the calendar.

Cllr O’Reilly went on to state that the responsible shooting community were being “unfairly penalised” under the COVID-19 regulations.

Cllr O’Reilly’s motion was supported by Sinn Féin’s Paddy McDonald who also called into question the thinking behind the restriction.

But Cllr Fitzpatrick, who told the meeting he never missed the shooting season opening date, refuted the claims.

His had conducted a survey of members within his own gun club who overwhelmingly stood by the measures.

Furthermore, Cllr Fitzpatrick said his club would be against extending the season as it would potentially impact the breeding season.

“I’m sorry but I don’t support your motion,” said Cllr Fitzpatrick speaking across to Cllr O’Reilly.