For the first time since the foundation of the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers (IFSA) in 1953, Ireland has achieved three gold medals at the Confédération Internationale de la Pêche Sportive (CIPS) world shore championships. The week-long event was held on the southeast beaches of Ireland and comprised of four days competitive angling.
Gold for the Irish men’s team, gold in the individual section, and gold for the ladies who competed for the first time at world level – what an achievement.
In the men’s section, the Grauvell-sponsored Irish team came out tops against 17 nations, holding top position after two days, dropping to second on day three and fighting back admirably on the final day to take the coveted title.
There was also individual gold for Alan Mulcahy from Rinnashark Sea Angling Club and silver for Harry McKee jnr from East Antrim Surfcasters. Paul Tyndall and Joe Byrne finished in the top 20.
The Vass-sponsored ladies’ team did equally well up against 10 nations with a first-place finish after day one, a position held for the remaining three competitive days.
Lisa Gormley from Glengormley and District Sea Angling Club settled for silver after a close finish with team captain Anne Whitty from Bannow Bay Anglers taking bronze. Jane Cantwell and Janet Snoddy both finished in the top 30 overall.
Countries which competed included Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, England, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Poland, Italy, Netherlands, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Tunisia, Wales, Portugal and Ireland.
The awards ceremony in Clayton Whites Hotel in Wexford was a grand affair attended by Minister of State with special responsibility for Defence Paul Kehoe, IFSA president Patrick Walsh and IFSA chairman Michael Quinn.
Ireland’s ladies team: A Whitty (Bannow Bay); J Cantwell (Wexford Garda); J Snoddy (Glengormley); L Gormley (Glengormley); P Shortt (Bray). Manager: Jim Snoddy.
Men’s team: M Howlin (Wexford); A Mulcahy (Rinnashark); H McKee Jnr (East Antrim Surfcasters); J Byrne (Kilmuckridge); P Tyndall (Ballybrack); T O’Sullivan (Galway Bay). Manager: J O’Brien (Tramore/Waterford).
For more information, go to facebook.com/seaanglingIFSA or contact Brian Reidy Tel: 085-733 9040 email: pro@ifsa.ie.
Tagging scheme regulations
The Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment, Seán Kyne, has given statutory notice to make the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations, 2016, to provide for management of the wild salmon and sea trout fishery from January 1st, 2017.
A copy of the draft regulations is available and open for public inspection at department offices in Cavan and Inland Fisheries Ireland.
Any person may submit observations/objections during the 30-day period concluding on December 11th, 2016, to Inland Fisheries Division, Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Elm House, Earlsvale Rd, Cavan Town H12 A8H7. Tel: 01-6783071. Lo-call 1890 449 900, ext 3071 or e-mail inland.fisheries@dccae.gov.ie.
Submissions received will be published on the department’s website following conclusion of the consultation period. Note: Rates charged for 1890 number may vary between service providers.
Tropical tackle
Due to a recent cancellation, Frontiers has two rods available for the week of December 10th-17th at Alphonse Island. The fabulous resort is located in the tropical outer islands of the Seychelles, and is known for its outstanding fly fishing. Guests at the resort have landed over 60 different species on a fly from the waters surrounding Alphonse Island and St François Atoll.
With comfortable accommodation, exotic surroundings, delightful meals and first-class guides, Alphonse comes together as the perfect package to form long-lasting memories. These rods will be sold on a first-come, first-sold basis. Email info@frontierstrvl.co.uk or Tel: +44 (0) 845-299-6212.
angling@irishtimes.com.