Paddy McDonnell is a third-generation ghillie on the River Moy whose family has guided salmon anglers on the river since his grandfather first started poling boats on Lough Conn in the 1950s. Growing up on the banks of Ireland's most prolific salmon river, Paddy learned to read the water before he could read a book, and his instinctive understanding of how salmon behave in the Moy's pools and runs under different water conditions is the product of a lifetime spent observing these extraordinary fish.
Paddy specializes in guiding visiting anglers on both the main river salmon beats and the wild brown trout waters of Loughs Conn and Cullin. His approach combines traditional Irish methods — wet fly teams, Spey casting, and classic salmon fly patterns — with modern nymphing and dry fly techniques that he has adapted for Irish conditions. He is a patient and encouraging teacher who takes genuine pleasure in helping clients catch their first Atlantic salmon, whether that means coaching a beginner through the basics of a roll cast or helping an experienced angler refine their presentation on a technical pool.
During the mayfly season in May and June, Paddy offers guided days on Lough Conn in his traditional lake boat, drifting the shallows with teams of wet flies and dry mayfly imitations for wild brown trout that can exceed five pounds. His knowledge of the lough's drift lines, reef structures, and mayfly congregation areas has been accumulated over decades and represents an irreplaceable local expertise.
Contact Paddy McDonnell — Moy Ghillie Service directly to book your guided trip.
