Member Stories

Father McKee

Pelagic

Killybegs, Ireland.

Greencastle, Ireland. 

Father McKee

Fleet Development

Cavankee Fishing Company, based in Greencastle, is a family-owned and run business founded by its director Michael Cavanagh. Like most Irish fishing companies, it has its roots in hard work, endeavour, a brass neck and humble beginnings. Although the company was formed in 1991, it has its origins in the 1970’s when Michael leased and skippered the 52’ Norwegian built MFV Angela from BIM. Michael then took delivery of the Baltimore built MFV Castle Queen in 1974.

Family Legacy

The 65’ Castle Queen was sold to his brother Denis in 1980 when Michael took delivery of his first Father McKee SO708. This name and registration number has remained synonymous with Michael and the family business ever since. Michael’s original crew included brothers Patrick and James. The company has a long history of family working aboard the vessels from brothers to nephews and sons.

Generational Commitment

The name Father McKee is mentioned far beyond fishing circles and that is due to the longstanding collaboration with the Gill family and the MFV Brendelen. Michael began pair trawling in 1977 with the Castle Queen and Bountiful and there began one of the most durable partnerships in Irish fishing. The next generation, Philip Cavanagh and Jonathan Gill, are now at the helms of these two vessels which carry the names Father McKee and Brendelen.

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