#COASTGUARD - The Irish Coast Guard has taken delivery of its new search and rescue helicopter at its Shannon base, The Irish Times reports.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, Sikorsky completed production of the new S-92 helicopter for the Irish Coast Guard last December under the rescue service's €500 million deal with CHC Ireland to revamp the aircraft fleet.

The deal will also see the coastguard's remaining four Sikorsky S-61s replaced by second-hand S-62s from Scotland over the coming months.

Training with crews at Shannon is set to begin shortly ahead of the S-92's first public demonstration at the centenary of the Titanic’s departure from Cobh in Cork Harbour.

Meanwhile, it is expected that the Air Corps may be offered an upgraded air ambulance role, after they were ruled out as contenders for search and rescue work amid some controversy.

The Department of Health has reportedly been in exploratory talks with private firms regarding the provision of an inter-hospital emergency air transfer service, as called for by the Roscommon Hospital Action Group.

The Irish Times has more on the story HERE.

Hooked Live! returns to Dublin’s Citywest Hotel and Lakes from 26-27 February in what organisers promise will be their biggest and best weekender yet.

Whether you are an expert at angling or just looking to try the latest fishing gear, visitors can browse a wide range of top angling suppliers and tackle shops, and even join in the fun on a fully stocked lake.

There will be indoor casting master classes and fly-tying workshops in the brand new Citywest Exhibition Centre, as well as live outdoor demonstrations from TV personalities and renowned anglers including Paul Young, Scott Mackenzie, Henry Gilbey, Peter O’Reilly, Anderw Ryan and Jim Hendrick, to name but a few. 

The weekend will also feature the Sporting Gun Show, with excellent deals from some of Ireland's top shooting retailers, and a laser clay line where anyone can try their crack-shot skills.

Tickets are priced at €12 for adults and €10 for children, with a €2 discount if you buy online at www.hooked.ie.

Most of the top names in fly tying and angling will be in Galway this November for the inaugural Irish Fly Fair say Galway organisers. Well known game angler Stevie Munn will be in town in partnership with Irish Angler magazine. The event sponsored by Inland Fisheries Ireland has succeeded in attracting many of the world's best fly tyers and anglers – including the top Irish ones – to what promises to be a great weekend for anglers and their families.

Centerpiece of the event will be the fly tying area, where over 30 world class experts will give demonstrations of their art and skill, as well as lessons in the techniques of constructing Salmon, Trout, Pike and Saltwater flies.

In addition there will be casting demonstrations by World renowned Fly Casters and also instruction from fully qualified instructors.
For those looking for Christmas gifts, there will be a wide range of tackle and other retailers with lots of bargains on offer.

There will be lots for the family too. For the first time ever in Ireland French firm Scatri will be letting people practice their angling skills on their range of fishing simulators. Galway Aquarium will allow visitors to see the wide range of fish and other creatures that live in our waters up close and personal and also an expert on entomology will be there. Galway Bay FM will broadcast live from the event on Saturday. Chef Chris Sanford will prepare a number of haddock recipes throughout the weekend, to complement Bord Bia's current promotional campaign to increase the awareness, and Irish consumer's consumption, of haddock.

More information HERE