Plenty of fish to go around! 100kg whopper on show at English Market

A 100kg whopper, enough to feed 160 people, has landed at the English Market after being caught off the coast of Ireland.

A Halibut flatfish is currently on show at K O'Connell Fishmongers where fishmonger Pat O’Connell said the rare catch will supply 160 people with a 250gram portion of high-quality and tasty fish fillet.

“It is rare enough to catch a halibut that size in Ireland, you would normally get that off the coast of Canada," said Pat.

"It is a real thick fish that has a lot of oils, so it is very healthy and tasty. 

"It is very good for you and lovely flavoured.” 

The reopening of more city businesses in the last week has had a positive spin off on the Market.

Mr O'Connell said people have made a shift towards cooking high-quality food again and there has been a realisation about the importance of shopping local.

“I think one good thing to come out of this is that people have a kind of reset about what’s important and what is important is to spend local and create local jobs.

“I’ve noticed people appreciating this a lot more.” 

Mr O’Connell said the English Market has always stood out for fresh, quality produce and, as it was the only place trading for most of the lockdown, business has been good.

He said it was part of our culture and our economy to supply and buy good locally sourced food and produce.

“There has been a bit of a wake-up call in terms of supporting local and that is great. It is vital we support these fishermen down on the coast where there will never be an Apple or a Dell.”