Young artists from Cork and Dublin win sustainability poster competition

Two young artists from Cork and Dublin have scooped the winning prizes in the 2022 Something Fishy national poster competition, with a third student from Laois awarded the special judges category prize. The competition, which is organised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in conjunction with Blackrock Education Centre, received artistic entries from across the country.

Madelena Duggan, a sixth-class pupil from Ardfield National School in Clonakilty, Co Cork and Emma Kilmurry, a fifth-class pupil from Sacred Heart School, Clondalkin, Co Dublin won in their respective category for their conservation-themed poster. While Katie O'Neill, a sixth-class pupil from Presentation Primary School, Portarlington, Co Laois won the special judges category prize.

Earlier this year primary school students were challenged to create a poster with the “catch-photo-release” message that could be used in awareness campaigns. The overall winners will each receive a tablet valued at €500 and the special judges category’ winner, a tablet valued at €200.

The poster competition is an important element of the wider Something Fishy educational programme aimed at primary school pupils, aged 10-13. Its primary function is to educate students on the importance of biodiversity and sustainable habitats, fish and angling. Information about the programme is available at somethingfishy.ie.

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IFI’s Suzanne Campion, said: “We received a host of beautiful posters containing important conservation-based messaging. Engagement in these issues early on is promising for future generations to be active stewards over our inland fisheries and surrounding environment.”

Niamh Murray of Blackrock Education Centre, added: “I was incredibly impressed by the standard of artwork created by the young people. Their artwork will go on to feature in awareness campaigns nationally on fish conservation.”

Irish Ladies Fly-Fishing Association

The world of fishing may look like a male-dominated sport, and with the rise of the great Irish sports women such as Katie Taylor, Rachel Blackmore and Kellie Harrington, we are beginning to look a little closer into sports for women, particularly minority sports, according to Irene Tiernan.

The Irish Ladies Fly-Fishing Association (ILFA) was founded in 1990 by Anne Geary of Pontoon Bridge Hotel, Foxford, Co Mayo. She took the brave step to support women who wished to fish and represent their country, the association's PRO Tiernan, said.

The association organises fishing and social events throughout the year which help to fund a team to compete in the ladies international competition against England, Scotland and Wales.

A series of four trials select the Irish team and the ILFA takes great pride in Team Ireland 22, having won gold in 2009 and 2013. The 13 women will travel to Lake of Menteith in Scotland on Monday until Thursday, May 26th.

The team is captained by the youngest woman ever to do so, Alhma McDonnell who has been fly fishing since 2012 and already holds experience at international level. As a member of the Irish youth team in 2017, McDonnell gained her first cap with the Irish ladies in 2018.

The management team includes Brian Kerr (team coach), Kevin Dinning (team manager) and Mark Dermott (fly-tyer).

Feeder championships

The National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland (NCFFI) is delighted to announce Team Ireland for the 2022 Feeder Nations and Master Championships. Originally due to be staged in Ukraine, the 11th FIPSed feeder championships will now take place in Belgium later this year.

Ireland’s team will consist of Michael Buchwalder, Tony Hopkins, Rimantas Kondrackas, James O’Doherty, Johnny McKinley and Charlie Richards, along with assistant manager Roger Baker.

Four anglers have also been selected to represent Team Ireland at the inaugural Masters World Championships in feeder fishing this September. This new event for the over 55’s will see Jack Tisdall use his knowledge of the venue to lead the team including Tony Green, Sean Murray and Karl Woodhouse to fish the Guardina River in Merida, Spain.

International feeder manager Brenton Sweeney, said: “Our return to the world stage will see Team Ireland attend two championships this year. I’m excited with our squad which will see two members make their debu, Tony Hopkins and youth international Charlie Richards. I would like to thank the NCFFI and Sonubaits for their support.”

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Sincere condolences to Peter Crilly, honorary treasurer of Wicklow Anglers’ Association, on the passing of his wife Paula, after a long illness bravely borne. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

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