This article is from page 12 of the 2006-08-08 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
THE skipper of the boat on which Boris Yeltsin spent Friday fishing has described meeting him as a “humbling experience.”
Seasoned angler and boatman Willie O’Callaghan, from Ennis, said it was “an honour to be asked and trusted to take care of Mr Yeltsin for the day – it is something I will never forget.”
Mr O’Callaghan, who runs Liscannor-based O’Callaghan Angling Cruises, had the task of organising a day of fishing for Mr Yeltsin, and had to ensure that the visit remained secret. The skipper’s 42-foot angler cruiser, True Light, was thoroughly inspected by security personnel ahead of the excursion.
“I am sure they checked my credentials to make sure we were up to the job. They told us what they needed for the trip and everything was in place when they arrived,” he said.
Mr Yeltsin was accompanied by his grandson and son-in-law, Russian security personnel and members of the Garda Emergency Response Unit. The party of 12 arrived at Liscannor pier early on Friday where they were met by Willie O’Callaghan.
“When I was introduced to Mr Yeltsin, I went weak at the knees. It was a very humbling experience to stand before a great man like that. He is an absolute gentleman,” Mr O’Callaghan said.
“We left Liscannor at 9am and spent the morning fishing about seven miles off Hag’s Head. Mr Yeltsin hooked a good few and was delighted. I had arranged lunch on Inis Óirr, and had a horse and carriage collect Mr Yeltsin at the pier and take him to the hotel. He was amazed there are still little islands in Europe with such a relaxed and friendly way of life. There was a trad session in the hotel and he was really taken by it, even clapped along.”
Mr O’Callaghan continued, “On the way back from Inis Óirr, Mr Yeltsin wanted to do a bit of shark-fishing but unfortunately we didn’t catch any. He spoke a lot with the people with him but the only words of English he used were ‘no problem’. He obviously enjoyed himself and gave me a big hug before he got off the boat.
“It was one of those things you think will never happen to you. You read about a man like that or see him on the telly but you never think you will be taking him shark-fishing,” Mr O’Callaghan said.
Ostán Inis Óirr chef, Darren McNamara from Scarriff, said, “I got a call from Willie O’Callaghan at 11.30. He said he had 10 VIPs with him and they wanted lunch in a private room. Sure, Willie is always having the craic with me so I said no problem, I’ll sort ye out. Not sure whether he was joking, I cleared a room and got it ready anyway.”