IRELAND’S tidiest town winner again proved the ideal venue for the annual end-of-season trout competition held under the auspices of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IF) – Eastern River Basin District and hosted by the Dublin Angling Initiative (DAI).
The Angling for All lake in Aughrim, Co Wicklow, lived up to expectations as 45 youngsters from youth clubs in the Dublin area descended on this magnificent facility for a day of fishing, refreshments and prizes.
I met Kevin "Jack" McManus, former photographer with The Irish Timesand now press officer for the Aughrim Tidy Town committee.
“Over the last eight years we’ve won top awards in the tidy town categories culminating as national gold medal winners last year,” he said.
The site was opened in 1996 by President Mary Robinson as a national disabled angling facility with car parking, toilet facilities and angling points (all wheelchair friendly). Today, everyone is welcome to avail of the trout fishing.
FÁS looks after the facility under the supervision of Mick Fleming, Kathleen Monaghan and Emily Byrne.
“Today is a free day for the teenagers and we put in 200 extra rainbow trout to ensure a good catch,” Fleming said.
Conditions were ideal as the groups from Darndale, Mulhuddart, Blanchardstown, Jobstown and Whitechurch collected their fishing rods and bait and took up vantage points around the lake.
“This is the first time for our group of eight to compete. It’s a wonderful day out for the youngsters,” said Megan Conway, youth leader with Darndale Sphere 17.
As often happens, the fish had other ideas on the day and refused to be tempted by sweet corn or red worms or, indeed, delicious fresh prawns. Instead only nine succumbed to temptation and seven of these fell to the Mulhuddart Youth Project team, the eventual winners.
This annual event would not be possible without the efforts of fisheries inspector Josie Mahon, the youth workers, Chris McGregor and, in particular, Des Chew of DAI.
At the prizegiving in the Park Pavilion, Michael Dixon from the Irish Tackle and Leisure Company presented a fantastic array of Okuma rods, reels and fishing tackle to all contestants.
The Angling For All facility is open all year round from 9am to 5pm in winter. For further details, phone 0402-36552.
The Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association held its final trial at Eskragh Lough, Co Tyrone, recently to select the team that will represent Ireland at the international championships on Bewl Water, Kent, England next year.
Julie Gerry showed why she is currently regarded as one of the top anglers in Ireland. Within minutes of the start she landed her first fish, a rainbow trout of 53cms, and went on to catch a further nine.
Best tactics on the day included lures on intermediate line and fishing the margins. Check website irishladiesflyfishing.com for details of the agm and next year’s events.
Don’t miss the Irish Fly Fair in Galway this weekend. Most of the top names in fly tying and angling will be on hand to demonstrate their skills, and casting demonstrations from qualified instructors will take place throughout the weekend.
The French firm, Scatri, will invite guests to practice their angling skills on a range of fishing simulators and Bord Bia will prepare seafood dishes.
The two-day fair takes place in Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill, this Saturday and Sunday.
angling@irishtimes.com