Established in 1964, The Skipper is the leading commercial fishing publication in Ireland and the UK, published monthly in both print and digital editions. Part of the Donegal-based media company Mara Media, The Skipper is printed as a glossy 48-page monthly magazine and is recognised as the leading marine media forum for coverage of news and events within the fishing industry.
With a monthly audience of approximately 11,500 readers, The Skipper is available on subscription worldwide, with a monthly digital edition available at the touch of a button. It is also distributed throughout the year at a number of industry exhibitions and events, including our own Skipper Expos. Our website has on average 26,500 monthly visitors, alongside a strong social media presence of over 78,000 followers.
Reflecting our position as a sector leader, the Skipper Expos have proven exceptionally successful and are the ideal place for anyone involved in the fishing industry to do business, network and keep updated with current trends. First established with the Irish Skipper Expo in 2005, the Skipper Expos have gone from strength to strength, with the Scottish Skipper Expo following in 2011 and the English Skipper Expo in 2013.
Our Team
Niall Duffy — Editor
T: +353 (0)86 8239608 E: editorial@maramedia.ie
Based in Castletownbere, Niall has spent 40 years in commercial fishing and 30 years in various roles within the fishing and marine media industries, both in Ireland and further afield. He began his fishing career in Killybegs and has been editor of The Skipper since 2013. Having worked in the catching, processing and sales sectors of fishing and seafood, Niall brings a unique first-hand insight to the pages of The Skipper. Camera in hand, he has been a familiar sight on piers and in harbours around the coast, documenting the highs and lows of fishing and aquaculture for national and international media.
Hugh Bonner — Managing Director, Mara Media
T: +353 (0) 74 9548935 E: hugh@maramedia.ie
Coming from a generation of fishermen, Hugh spent eight years as a skipper, fishing from Burtonport on a gill netter and trawler, before joining The Skipper in 1998 and buying the magazine in 2005. He set up Mara Media, now home to eight staff and a portfolio of national and international events and publications.
Sharon Boyle — Commercial Manager
T: +353 (0) 74 9548037 M: +353 (0) 86 8401250 E: sharon@maramedia.ie
Sharon has been instrumental in the growth and success of The Skipper for over 25 years. Her expertise spans sales, marketing, and event management, and she has spearheaded the development of the highly successful Skipper Expos. Through her extensive industry knowledge and strong relationships, Sharon consistently delivers effective promotional platforms and valuable business opportunities for fishing industry brands.
Paul Ewen — Designer
Paul joined the team in 2018. With an Honours Degree in Graphic Design and over 30 years’ experience in publishing — including ten years as Art Director for Golf Magazine in New York — Paul is Chief Designer of The Skipper magazine.
Sharon Conaghan — Credit Controller – Subscriptions Manager
Sharon has been part of the Mara Media team since 2014, serving as a reliable and approachable point of contact for subscriber queries. As Credit Controller – Subscriptions Manager, she looks after all subscription and billing queries, prepares and sends invoices, follows up on outstanding payments, and helps maintain accurate records to keep the team’s processes running smoothly. Always ready to lend a hand to colleagues, Sharon takes pride in contributing wherever she’s needed.
Geraldine Boyle — Finance and HR Manager
Geraldine has been an integral part of Mara Media since its inception, bringing more than 20 years of experience in financial management. With a background in teaching and mentoring in accounting, bookkeeping, and taxation, she combines extensive technical expertise with a passion for supporting others. As Finance and HR Manager, Geraldine plays a key role in ensuring the smooth financial and operational management of the company, supporting both the business and its people with dedication, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Editorial Standards
The Skipper is edited by Niall Duffy, who brings 40 years of direct experience in the commercial fishing industry and 30 years in marine media to every issue. Our editorial approach is grounded in first-hand sector knowledge across catching, processing and sales — not desk research.
The Skipper positions itself as an international journal of the commercial fishing industry, covering Ireland, the UK, Europe and beyond without geographic restriction. All news content is independently reported and attributed. Corrections are made promptly when factual errors are identified — contact editorial@maramedia.ie to report an issue.
Original photography and editorial content published by The Skipper is copyright of The Skipper / Mara Media and may not be reproduced without permission. Contact editorial@maramedia.ie for licensing enquiries.