Sport

Scores of anglers take to the Tolka for opening day at Cardiffsbridge

Cool-hand Luke: Proud Luke Keely (10) with his prize brown trout on the opening day of the River Tolka competition on St Patrick’s Day, alongside his uncle Brian O’Sullivan
Cool-hand Luke: Proud Luke Keely (10) with his prize brown trout on the opening day of the River Tolka competition on St Patrick’s Day, alongside his uncle Brian O’Sullivan
Derek Evans
Mon Mar 23 2015 - 00:00

THE view from Cardiffsbridge in Finglas was spectacular. Looking upriver as far as the eye could see, both banks of the Tolka were lined with scores of anglers eager to catch their first brown trout of the season.

The occasion was opening day on the river. St Patrick’s Day enjoys its own celebrations in these parts of Dublin city each year and families flock to enjoy the camaraderie on this delightful river.

The Tolka had a major setback last year with a pollution outbreak which killed many fish, flora and fauna from Cardiffsbridge to the sea. Nevertheless, the Tolka Trout Anglers’ Association (TTAA) fought back, with substantial assistance from Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in terms of stocking to ensure a successful start to the 2015 season.

Hooking up for the fly-tying class, which was in full swing in the Oval Room in St Helena’s House, Finglas South, Dublin
Hooking up for the fly-tying class, which was in full swing in the Oval Room in St Helena’s House, Finglas South, Dublin

As I walked the bank with fisheries inspectors Des Chew and Martin Kelly, it was clear the local community is determined to keep a firm hold on their gem. Pollution is the dreaded word. In fact, a pollution outbreak on opening day from an outlet pipe was quickly dealt with, following a call to IFI help line.

READ MORE

Later, at the Dublin Corporation Depot in Tolka Valley Park, the 100-plus group of mainly juniors gathered for the weigh-in with each presenting their biggest fish, under the supervision of IFI staff. All juniors with fish were rewarded with rods and reels.

Christy Emmett, TTAA chairman, said: “It’s one of our biggest turnouts. Today is all about the kids. I would also like to thank IFI for their marvellous support.”

Results: Juniors: 1 (joint winners), B Clarke and L Bradley, 2lb 6oz; 2 (joint second), C McManus and D Drabek, 2lb 4oz; 3, S Walker, 2lb 1oz. Seniors: 1, S Finane, 2lb 3.5oz; 2, S Dwyer, 1lb 15oz; 3, P Brennan, 1lb 14.5oz.

Meanwhile, fly-tying sessions got under way recently in the Oval Room of St Helena’s House, Finglas, for TTAA members. Sponsorship by the Tolka Area Partnership enabled the club to buy fly-tying kits and materials to cater for the expected demand.

The sessions started slowly but numbers have grown recently, with all ages taking part. Interested members are welcome, for free, each Tuesday from 7.30 to 9.30pm.

Drowse rising

On the Drowes, six salmon were recorded last week, the largest of 11lb by Dermot McNiece from The Meadow. The forecast for the coming week is for settled weather and with tides increasing, prospects are improving.

Courtlough fishing well

The final of the Courtlough winter league in Balbriggan, Co Dublin, took place last Sunday in conditions described as good, except for a chilly easterly breeze. The 23 finalists comprised the top three winners from a series of qualifying heats.

For those who got tactics right, with sinking lines and weighted flies, the lake fished well. Over the four-hour competition, 92 rainbows were landed, with some reaching 8lb and plenty in the 3lb to 5lb bracket.

Courtlough Trout Fishery donated all proceeds (€500) to the Molly McNally Miracle Trust. Manager Garrett Ruigrok chose to donate the takings to support a local 7-year-old girl in her battle with neuroblastoma cancer and also to help cancer research.

The fishery is open every day from 9.30 to dusk and facilities are ideal for individual or group outings. Call Garrett on 087-2712704 or contact fishing@courtlough.ie.

Results: 1, H Smith (Dundalk), 11 fish; 2, J Kellegher (Dundalk), 10f; 3, S Callan (Dundalk), 9f; 4, R Fowler (Abbeyleix), 8f.

Disabled anglers

The Waterford City and County Trout Anglers’ Association open fly-fishing competition for the Carrigavantry Cup in aid of Irish Disabled Fly Fishing Association, was a great success last Sunday with a total of 164 trout recorded between 24 anglers.

Thanks were extended to sponsors Mike Drinan of Soldarini Tackle, Butler & Sons Tackle, Thurles, and Ned Maher, Adaire Springs. Results: 1, R Crichton, 15 fish; 2, B Brennan, 12f; 3, K Moors, 12f; 4, M Drinan, 11f. Heaviest fish: B Healy, 53cm.

angling@irishtimes.com