top of page
A life well Cast.
For over thirty years, Russell made the journey west to Cong. What began as a love of fishing became something far greater - a second home filled with friendship, laughter, adventure and the peace he found on the waters of Lough Corrib.
FISHING, FRIENDSHIP
& LOUGH CORRIB
LYDON'S LODGE - A HOME AWAY FROM HOME.
No place was more closely connected to Russell's fishing life than Lydon's Lodge.
A place where friendships were made, stories were shared and everyone was made to feel welcome.
For Russell, Lydon's wasn't just accommodation.Â
It was home.
Frank was a mentor, a guide and in many ways a father figure. Their friendship stretched far beyond fishing.
In 2008, Russell and Frank travelled together to Cadiz, Spain to visit their friends Sean and Charo — a trip filled with laughter, stories and memories they both cherised.
FRANK LYDON —
Through Frank, Russell became part of the wider Lydon Family, friendships he treasured throughout his life.
THE CONG ANGLING COMMUNITY —
Russell was a respected member of the Cong Angling Club. He took part in competitions, attended club events and enjoyed the camaraderie for years.
Cong Angling Club — Annual Wet Fly Competition
19th April 2017
1st  Domhnall Ryan    4 fish  6lbs 9oz
2nd  Russell Taylor     2 fish  4lbs 8oz
3rd  Paul Ramsey      3 fish  3lbs 4oz
4th  Robbie Conneely  2 fish  2lb 6oz
5th  David Gibbons    1 fish   1lb 11oz
Heaviest fish: Domhnall Ryan  2lbs 9oz
It was never really about trophies.
It was about friendships.
THE ANGLER
Over 30 rods collected over decades - from delicate fly rods to heavy lake rods, telescopic travel rods and everything in between.
Â
-
Every reel.
-
Every tackle box.
-
Every fly box
-
Every piece of equipment had a purpose.
Friends often joked that Russell packed enough equipment for several fishermen!
THE CRAFTSMAN
Russell tied his own flies with incredible skill and patience.
Hundreds of flies for trout, salmon and pike.
Feathers, threads, books and materials collected over many years.
Each fly was a reflection of his care, precisions and passion.
Russell wasn't just known for his catches.
He supported the Cong Angling Club in many ways, including designing posters and promotional material for competitions and events.
He was part of the fabric of the fishing community.
RECOGNISED & RESPECTED
Russell's knowledge and passion did not go unnoticed.
He was featured in angling magazines and newspapers, sharing his experiences, photographs and love for Lough Corrib.
He was proud to represent the waters he loved and the community.
KEN, FERN, MISSY & THE QUIET MOMENTS
Russell spent many stays at his friend Ken & Ferns home, along with their dog Missy, whom Russell adored.Â
Good conversations about fishing, photography, nature & life.
Ken propagated his own flowers and plants, Russell would always arrive with empty pots.
Ferns warmth and kindness made Russell Feel part of the family.
" New life"
Photographed by Russell in Ken's garden, Cong. He noticed details other missed and captured the beauty in the smallest things.
MORE THAN FISHING
When the fishing was slow, Russell turned his attention to the wonders around him.
-
Wildlife
-
Insects
-
Flowers
-
Landscapes
-
Sunsets
His camera was never far away.
FROM THE ANGLING PRESS
JOHNNY & STEPHEN LYDON - CARRY THE LEGACY FORWARD
After Russell passed away, all of his treasured fishing equipment found a new home with Johnny & Stephen Lydon. It felt right. The rods, reels, tackle and memories remained in Cong, beside he waters be loved most.Â
While fishing one of Russell's favourite Corrib locations, Johnny sent a photograph and a simple message:Â
"I was fishing at one of Russell's favourite places and was thinking of him," - Johnny Lydon
RUSSELL'S FINAL CAST & CATCH
On 12th May 2024, after finishing a Big Digger gig in the early hours of the morning, Russell made his way to one of his favourite places in the world - Lough Corrib.
He woke early on the 13th of May, to began a days fishing. The fishing was slow, but that never bothered him. He spent the day on the lake he loved, enjoying the peace, the water and the hope that comes with every cast.
Throughout the day he sent photographs from the lake, sharing the beauty of Corrib as he always did.
Late evening on the 14th May 2024, before heading back to Dublin, Russell caught a beautiful brown trout.
At the time, it was simply another successful day fishing.Â
None of us knew that it would be the final fish Russell would ever catch.
Looking back now, there is something comforting in that, his last catch was caught on Lough Corrib, surrounded by water, wildlife and the peace he treasured so much.
For a man who spent his life chasing music, photography, adventure and the outdoors, there could hardly have been a more perfect final cast.
The trout is long gone — The memory remains.
And somewhere in the photographs from that day, Russell is exactly as those who knew him best remember.
Â
FISHING GALLERY
RETURNING HOME
On 11 July 2026, Russell will return to the place that had given him so much happiness.
His ashes will be scattered on Lough Corrib near one of his favourite islands - a quiet place where he often stopped for tea, reflection and peace.
Today, his memory lives on through the people of Cong, the Cong Angling Club, the Lydon family, Ken and Fern, Declan, Rose and the waters of Corrib and the countless stories still shared about him.
bottom of page