Our Board

Michael Desmond – NIFA Chairman

Michael Desmond is the Chairman of the National Inshore Fishermen’s Association (NIFA), Ireland’s newest recognized fisheries representative organization. With a strong commitment to supporting inshore fishermen, he plays a crucial role in advocating for sustainable fishing practices and fostering dialogue with government bodies, including the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). Michael is dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by Ireland’s inshore fleet, particularly in relation to adverse weather conditions and the need for greater government support. Under his leadership, NIFA has gained recognition as an EU Producer Organisation, representing over 210 inshore fishermen and striving to ensure the long-term viability of the sector.

Edward Moore – NIFA Director

Edward is a native of Dingle, Co. Kerry and Owner-Skipper of the MFV Misty Dawn T539. He has been fishing for the last 35 years having started his career on the family’s fishing vessels MFV Bridget T29 and MFV Purple Harvest before buying his first vessel MFV Noreen Bawn WT105 in 1986. He fishes a range of inshore species including: potting for brown crab, lobster, and spider crab; dredging for Scallop; gillnetting, trammel netting and tangle netting for whitefish and crayfish.

He has been actively representing the interests of inshore fishermen locally and nationally through his role as a founding member of Comharchumainn Gleamaigh Chorca Dhuibhne when it existed and the Chumainn Gleamaigh Chorca Dhuibhne since 2008. He was previously a member of the Crab Species Advisory Group as part of the National Shellfish Management Framework. Eddie Chaired the SWRIFF and held the position of NIFF vice Chair, from the inception of the Inshore Fisheries Forums until is resignation from the SWRIFF in late 2018

John Menarry – NIFA Director

John a Native of South Donegal started fishing salmon and lobster while still at school. This was before studying for the BIM Deckhand Course in 1997, which he followed up with a Second Hand Full Skippers ticket. John Fished on a number of Whitefish boats out of Killybegs including the Emer Marie, Salve Regena, the Adina and the Boy Connor, before moving back into the Inshore Sector to fish on the K Mar K. John then purchased a vessel of his own which he has fished for the last twelve years, mostly potting for lobster and Brown Crab and Gill Netting. John is keen to see Inshore Fishermen work together, not only to market their catches but also to improve the health of the fish stocks that they depend on. He would also like to see cooperation to avail of government supports for times of extreme hardship

Trudy Mcintyre- NIFA Director

Gus O Donovan – NIFA Director

Gus is a fisherman from Crosshaven, Cork, and serves as a Director of the National Inshore Fishermen’s Association (NIFA). With a wealth of experience in the fishing industry, Gus is deeply involved in advocating for the needs of inshore fishermen and ensuring the sustainability of the sector. His work with NIFA focuses on representing the interests of fishermen in his community and beyond, addressing both environmental challenges and regulatory issues. Gus is a passionate supporter of Ireland’s inshore fleet, striving to ensure its long-term survival through effective policy and community engagement.

Kevin Byrne – NIFA Director

Kevin has been fishing for 20+ years and is a newcomer to the inshore sector. He has a keen interest in all fishing methods and how to improve and sustain any fishery going forward vnotching for lobster, size management for Brown crab and mesh size for white fish.

Avril Egan – NIFA Secretary

Based in Waterville, Co. Kerry, Avril Egan is the Secretary and Social Media Manager for the National Inshore Fishermen’s Association (NIFA). With extensive experience navigating the grants system, Avril plays a vital role in supporting Ireland’s inshore fishing communities. She is deeply passionate about the inshore sector and works tirelessly to promote and protect its interests through advocacy, communication, and hands-on support.

Michael Foley – NIFA Director

With over 41 years at sea, Michael Foley is a seasoned inshore fisherman whose experience spans nearly every corner of the industry he’s fished whelk pots, trolled for tuna, gillnetted hake, cod, turbot and monkfish, trawled for prawns and white fish. He’s gone mid water for herring, sprat, anchovies and pilchard, and even dredged for clams and cockles. If it swims, crawls or burrows- Michael’s worked it, when he’s not at Micheal is a proud husband and father of two anchoring his life in family and tradition. His story is one of resilience skill and deep respect for the ocean

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Seamus Breathanach – NIFA Director

Seamus is a fisherman from Carna, Galway, and an active director of the National Inshore Fishermen’s Association (NIFA). With deep roots in the coastal community of Galway, Seamus is dedicated to promoting the interests of inshore fishermen and preserving sustainable fishing practices. As a passionate advocate for the sector, he works alongside fellow NIFA members to address the challenges faced by local fishermen, including environmental and regulatory issues. Through his involvement with NIFA, Seamus plays a key role in supporting the livelihood of inshore fishermen and ensuring the long-term health of Ireland’s fishing industry.

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