Lough Neagh Partnership organised a Wildfowler meeting at Kinturk Cultural Centre on 7 March 2025, which was attended by around 40 people. This provided an opportunity for wildfowlers to hear a presentation from Dario di Joseph Girolama, a PhD student at Queen’s University, who is undertaking research into duck feeding habits on the Lough, and to discuss other issues of interest to wildfowlers.
One of the issues discussed was the case for the establishment of a Lough Neagh–wide Wildfowling and Conservation Association. While there was a majority in favour of doing so at this meeting, several wildfowlers said they needed more time to consider the proposal.
A second meeting was held on 23 June at Ballyronan Community Hall. This meeting was very well attended, with over 100 wildfowlers present. Following discussion, 96 wildfowlers voted in favour of establishing a Lough Neagh and Lough Beg Wildfowling and Conservation Association, with only three voting against.
A Working Group was appointed to take forward the preparation of a constitution for the new association. Since then, the Working Group has agreed a constitution for the new group and a further Information evening has been arranged for 4 December to elect
Committee Members. Following this the Committee will set a date for the first meeting of the Lough Neagh and Lough Beg Wildfowling and Conservation Association to elect Office holders (date tbc).
It is hoped that, at a time of great change in management and governance, the establishment of the new Association will help to ensure that wildfowling and conservation interests are well represented around the Lough
