Fishermen

[tynesearcher]

I am interested in any information that might shed light on an ancestor (b.1836) whose father was a fisherman. Was there a substantial fishing industry in Wexford, or is it possible that the man in question was a humble tennant farmer who supplemented his income by part-time fishing? I read that Wexford was important for the import of coal from Newcastle. This suggests that it might have been a significant port before the problems of silting up led to Roslare taking over much of the trade. On the other hand I read that communications to other parts of the country were poor. This suggests, conversely, that neither coal, nor fish, had a market far beyond Wexords borders. What exactly was the position of Wexford in ca 1840?

Since I have not been to Wexford, but plan to visit in the future, I am anxious to establish any sources of information that I can research at a distance.

The only firm facts about the family indicate that Wm.H left Wexford at some time before 1858 by which time, aged 22, he served aboard HMS Terrible and was based in London. Of course he would have been nine years old by the time of the famine. I don't know if the whole family left Ireland for England, or if he alone made the journey some years later.

All information, especially about fishing gratefully received.