Angling Notes: Fly fishing with Martin O’Malley on Lough Mask

The 15th Vintner's National Fly Fishing Championships on Lough Mask last week was delighted to welcome former governor of Maryland and United States presidential candidate Martin O'Malley. As a descendant of the O'Malleys from Maam, Co Galway, he returns to his homeland at every opportunity.

On this occasion, his primary reason was to deliver a keynote address at the Kennedy Summer School in New Ross, Co Wexford, entitled, "A festival of Irish-American history, culture and politics".

Beforehand, he took time out to visit relations and friends in the Gaeltacht area. Perhaps his closest friends are the Burkes of Clonbur. (In the past, he has invited Tómas Burke to the US to assist in his election campaigns.)

From an angling perspective, flat calm conditions ensured the first day of the two-day midweek event was disappointing with just 13 fish recorded by 12 anglers. Remember, 127 anglers ventured out from all vantage points on the lake.

However, the day was saved with an evening musical session in Burke's bar during which the governor joined in with his banjo playing and singing. His composition of Clonbur was particularly enjoyable.

Add in Leo Moran from the Saw Doctors and several other musicians, and the day ended on a high note.

Second day

The wind picked up for the second day and fishing improved somewhat with most of the 64 boats concentrating on the Tourmakeady Shore to College Bay area.

And it was here that the winner, Donal Forrest from Blarney, Co Cork caught his four fish on a Silver Daddy and Claret Hog. “It was my first time to fish the competition. Beginner’s luck, I suppose,” he said.

Tourmakeady angler, Eddie Gibbons also managed four trout for the exact same weight of 2.116kg. However, the deciding factor rested with one of Forrest’s fish being a shade heavier, sufficient to secure a win. For his efforts, he received a television and the VHI Perpetual Cup.

The heaviest fish prize of a Sage rod (value €900) went to John Murray from Sligo with a fine trout of 1.366kg caught on a Silver Daddy close to Devenish Island.

Over dinner, Cyril Boggins held a raffle which brought in €900 for the local Ballinrobe and Tourmakeady clubs who supported the competition. The donation will assist towards stream enhancement and hatchery work.

The prizegiving table was decked with over 75 quality angling-related prizes, almost one for every angler who caught a fish. “It must take a year’s hard work to assemble,” was a comment overheard.

Competition organiser Tom “Swanky” Sweeney thanked the many sponsors, the Burke family and committee for their hard work.

Results: 1, D Forrest, 4 fish, 2.116kg; 2, E Gibbons, 4f, 2.116kg; 3, P Molloy, 4f, 2.079; 4, P Byrne, 4f, 2.077kg; 5, B Spillane, 4f, 2.038kg. Heaviest fish: J Murray, 1.366kg. Ladies prize: C. Neal, 2f, 1.06kg.

Fundraiser

A fundraising evening in aid of Howth RNLI, entitled, "Stars in Their Eyes", will be held in the Abbey Tavern, Howth, Co Dublin on Saturday, September 24th, beginning at 8.30pm. The community event is organised by SuperValu Sutton for its chosen charity of the year 2016.

Tickets: €15 adults, €10 children or group of four, €40. Contact SuperValu, Sutton or Rose on 087-255 2726. Early booking is advisable.

Erriff

Erriff fishery manager Osgur Grieve reports on another positive week with six salmon and 13 sea trout. Regular French visitors Jean-Jacque and Jean-Francoise Calvar and friend Jean-Pierre Leroy had two salmon on a “little black fly’’ of their own tying, along with 10 seatrout up to 1kg.

Graham Smith (UK) released his salmon of 3kg from the Paddystick Pool on Beat 3 using a Collie Dog. Interestingly, the fish took the fly as he dragged it across the surface of the pool.

Traci Walker along with husband Marc fished a morning session in a gale and pouring rain, their perseverance paid off with Traci catching her first salmon of 2kg, which was returned after a quick photo. This was a great achievement as it was her first attempt at fly-fishing!

Aasleagh Lodge and the Erriff Fishery currently has a special offer available for the last couple of weeks of the season – a two-night fishing package with one dinner and one day’s fishing for €188.80 per person sharing. For bookings, call (095) 42208 or check errifffishery.ie.

Corrib

Declan Gibbons reports of an upturn in fishing on the Corrib with plenty of good fish on dry sedge patterns in the Greenfields and Inishanbo areas. There were notable catches for Tom Chamberlain from Wales who had several trout including two over 1.5kg.

Ferdinand Rodrigues also had trout to 1.5kg on reed smut and small dry sedges, and French angler Lauren Pouillaud caught a lovely trout over 2kg. Hopefully with some light winds forecast the remainder of the season will be good.

angling@irishtimes.com