ANGLING NOTES:THE VIEW FROM the bridge was spectacular as 108 wheelchair users gathered in glorious sunshine along the banks of the Grand Canal at the 12th Lock in Lucan, Co Dublin, eager to catch the biggest fish and the coveted perpetual trophy.
This was the eighth annual fishing competition held by the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) and supported by Waterways Ireland, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and Godfrey Donohue.
As each year passes, the event grows in popularity and this year exceeded all expectations with contestants travelling from Cork, Kilkenny, Athlone, Laois, Drogheda. In all, 15 centres participated with several teams of four.
“This is our main event of the year. Our centre is very handy, it’s just 100m from the canal,” Lucan section manager Rose McCoy says.
“When we came here, the building was just a bungalow. With extensive renovations, we have developed it into a modern centre catering for about 30 members each day,” she adds.
Waterways Ireland did a marvellous job in clearing rushes and weeds along the bank and creating sufficient “swims” for the anglers. A good breeze, however, created a few problems, with floats and hooks becoming entangled.
From a fishing perspective, Godfrey’s contribution was immense. Not only in supplying 80 rods and tackle, including bait, but always on hand to help those in need along with his team of volunteers. IFI’s Des Chew supplied 30 rods and also provided great support.
Most importantly, this year the fish responded, with a good cross-section of species caught to keep the adrenaline flowing. Perch, pike and trout all showed up on the day in comparison to last year that drew a blank.
Darren McCabe from Navan IWA was delighted with his “jack” pike of about 0.5kg. “I’ve been coming here for two years and this is my first time to catch a fish,” he says.
Pat Feeney (Athlone) and Brian Melville (Navan) both caught trout and according to environmentalist, writer and broadcaster, Dick Warner, whose half-hour TV documentary programme Waterways has just concluded, the fish appeared to be wild brown trout (see below).
Ardee, Co Louth, was down a team, opting instead to support their colleagues participating in two events in the Paralympics in London.
Rose McCoy has been involved with Lucan IWA for eight years, starting as service co-ordinator and now has overall control of the centre. “It’s a very rewarding job, not necessarily money-wise but it’s an eye-opener, especially when you look at the ability of some of our members. It’s amazing,” she says.
The three-hour competition appeared to pass quickly as competitors and helpers made their way to the nearby centre. In glorious sunshine, music blaring, full barbecue and drinks, the entire event was a sight to behold.
Thanking all those who took part in the competition and helped in making the day a success, IWA regional director Mary Smith says she is transferring from Dublin-Midland to Midland-Midland West. “But I will be keeping in touch with you all,” she adds.
Results: 1, Clontarf (Betty Balfe, Derek Smith, Dominic Gaffney and Ken Fallon); 2, Navan A (Darren McCabe, Jane Fennessy, David Smith and Anne Cluskey); 3, Navan B (Brian Melville, Bibi Whyte, Mary Gallagher and Jay Murray).
Ballinaand Cloghans AC will host the Lodge Cup Competition this Saturday from 11am on Lough Conn. Weigh-in at the Lodge Bar, Cloghans, followed by food at 6.30pm. Please confirm entry by texting 087-1802636.