Inland Fisheries Ireland launches new fund for angling events

A sponsorship fund to support angling events and initiatives across the country was launched recently by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). Last year the fund supported 44 events to the value of €30,000 with particular emphasis on initiatives to help grow Ireland’s angling tourism market and support novice anglers.

Its primary aim is to assist international competitions which showcase Ireland’s angling offering and contribute to local economies. However, the fund also contributes to novice events, encouraging those who have recently taken up fishing.

In addition, it helps initiatives, such as seminars, workshops and training, to promote conservation and protection of the resource. Assistance can be in the form of financial support or resource support from staff members.

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Mavis Dempsey, Lorraine Dempsey and Margaret Dempsey from Swords at the Howth RNLI fundraiser in Howth Yacht Club. Photograph: Tara Murphy

IFI head of business development Suzanne Campion said: “This sponsorship fund is just one element of our National Strategy for Angling Development which aims to develop our angling tourism potential while also managing and conserving our fisheries resources.”

Angling in Ireland is currently worth €836 million to Ireland’s economy annually, supporting upwards of 11,000 jobs.

Applications for funding are now invited. The scheme will remain open until Friday, December 9th, 2016 and can be made online at www.fisheriesireland.ie/funding. Awards will be subject to budget availability and adherence to scheme requirements.

Fly-tying demo

Rory’s Fishing Tackle in Temple Bar, Dublin 2 is holding a fly-tying demo on Saturday , November 26th from 11.30am-4pm. Semperfli’s Andy Kitchener from England and Sandy Dickson from Scotland will be in store demonstrating a range of Semperfli materials.

A special offer of 25 per cent off all fly-tying materials, fly rods, reels, lines, boxes, nets, bags, footwear and rainwear will also apply on Saturday and Sunday. (Note: The offer applies in-store only.)

Knockaderry Cup

The Knockaderry Cup on Carrigavantry Lake, near Tramore, attracted 32 anglers who managed a staggering 165 trout on a catch-and-release basis. “This was Carrigavantry at its best with the water quality crystal clear and the bottom could be seen all over the lake,” said Michael Sheehan.

Waterford City and County Trout Anglers have both Carrigavantry and Knockaderry open all year round and welcome groups that wish to hold a fly-fishing competition or a day’s fishing. Special group rates available. Call Michael at 086-107 3086.

Results: 1. Barry Healy, 25 fish; 2. Dudley Murphy, 18 fish; 3. Denis Cronin, 15 fish.

Annamoe league

Results of Annamoe Fishery Winter League. Heat 3: 1. K Elliott, 12 trout, 524cms; 2. R Buzak, 8f, 357cms; 3. R Fowler, 8t, 332cms. A total of 20 anglers competed and 16 caught 76 rainbows, all safely returned. Several fish weighed more than 2kg.

The winter league is supported by Southside Angling and the last qualifier is Saturday, November 26th. Enquiries to Brian Nally on tel: 086-259 8563.

Cake demonstration

Howth RNLI welcomed Garry Wickham from the Sutton branch of SuperValu who gave a Christmas cake decoration demonstration to raise €900 in aid of the lifeboat.

Wickham gave the best tips for creating a stunning Christmas cake and described his approach to getting it right.

The local lifeboat station was chosen as Charity of the Year 2016 by the supermarket which provided finger food and raffle prizes for the event. Funds raised will be used to provide new crew kit and further training for crewmembers.

Fundraising chairwoman Rose Michael said: “Garry is a fantastic baker and we are very grateful that he has shared his time to help us to raise much needed funds for the local lifeboat.”

Ireland’s coastline

Make sure to watch the eight-part series

Along Home Shores

on UTV Ireland each Thursday at 7.30pm and repeated on Sundays at 6.30pm. Avid sailor Bobby Kerr discovers the hidden treasures of the Ireland’s coastline and waterways.

In each episode, he examines how people utilise the natural resources of our waterways to create employment, while also showcasing their beauty.

“I have been truly amazed by the scenic beauty of Ireland’s coastline and inland waterways and the fascinating characters I met. The sheer magnificence cannot be overstated,” Kerr said.

The series is funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and sponsored by Volvo.

angling@irishtimes.com