Waterford councillor launches fishing boat to provide free fish to elderly residents

In Larchville, Waterford City, a local councillor and a number of locals have been catching mackerel and pollack to feed elderly residents in the area for free.

The group recently launched their community boat, 'The Last Resort'.

The boats' name, Cllr John Hearne explained, is inspired by the uncertainty of political life.

"It is named the 'Last Resort', because that's what it will be if I don't get re-elected," Cllr Hearne quipped.

"The name comes from hard times when it was hard to get work and if you weren't elected the boat was the last resort."

The boat was recently bought and has been up and running off Waterford's coast throughout the summer.

"A heap of us go out and we get a heap of food for the old folks in and around Larchville," Cllr Hearne told the Waterford News & Star

An experienced fisherman who spent many years at sea before politics, Cllr Hearne said that he is now combining two of his passions, fishing and serving the community.

"The ocean is the last frontier; it’s the last great freedom. You can go off on a boat and be completely free," he said.

"What we try to do in the community is lift people up all the time, and people are always delighted when we come back with a few fish for them. It's a disgrace that most elderly people can't afford fish themselves."

He added that since a young man, fishing has been a fundamental part of his life.

It is a joy which he now hopes other young people will find.

"When I was young, I went for a spin on my uncle's boat one day and I was immediately smitten. I just always wanted to be a fisherman.

"Unfortunately, there's no young people taking to fishing anymore, but there's a great life out there on the ocean for them."