"The Wild Irishman"

Another lovely Irish pattern dating from the late 19th century but seldom seen today. As with most of the ancient Irish classics, it's body is composed of richly dyed seal's fur in various bright colours, while the head is yet again formed with black Berlin wool, just like O' Fee's other famous fly, The Black & Gold.
Kelson relates in "Land & Water", that he never actually fished with this pattern and so cannot attest to its usefulness on the rivers he frequented. However, on the authority of his friend Mr. W. Thomas, he tells us that we may safely take it that Daniel O' Fee had numerous applications for this delightful fly, and that it has for many years held its own among other standards, in Ireland and elsewhere. He adds that, as a general pattern for use when the water clears after a flood, it possesses all the usual qualities that would lead one to give the fly a good trial.

On a personal note, I just love these old Irish classics with their wonderful composition of rich, bright colours blended in a masterful and artistic way. They are a joy to behold and merit a place in any collection of the ancient classics. Thanks to Mr. Daniel O'Fee for such a contribution to the world of the classics, and to Paul Little for dressing the above pattern for Flytying Ireland. It will be on display in the Irish Flyfishing & Game Shooting Museum for all visitors to enjoy, along with many other famous Irish patterns.


The Dressing:

Tag: Silver twist and light orange silk.
Tail: A topping and a few tippet strands.
Body: Yellow, dark orange and dark claret Seal's fur in equal proportions.
Ribs: Silver tinsel (oval, fine) and gold tinsel.
Hackle: A claret hackle from claret fur.
Throat: A blue hackle.
Wings: Gold pheasant tail and tippet strands, Pin tail, Bustard, black Cockatoo's tail, red Macaw, Mallard and a topping.
Horns: Blue Macaw.
Cheeks: Blue Chatterer.
Head: Black Berlin Wool.