Lough Lein anglers raise €10,000 for Kerry Wheelchair Association

THE South Kerry branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) received a major boost last weekend following a donation of €10,000 from the Charity Open Wet-fly Competition on Lough Lein in Killarney.

Now in its 26th year, the Charity has raised in excess of €175,000 for local charities and this year’s beneficiary, based in St Mary’s Hall in Killarney, is a voluntary organisation catering for over 200 people. Outings are held throughout the year and activities include arts and crafts, computers and beauty therapy.

The success of the event is totally dependent on anglers to sell as many raffle cards as possible. A draw for a €850 prize fund is held in conjunction with the dinner and presentation of prizes in the Dromhall Hotel, Killarney.

Breda O’Dwyer, IWA chairperson, said it was great credit to the club to raise such a large amount and, on behalf of the South Kerry branch, expressed appreciation for the generous donation.

The canal at the foot of Ross Castle was bustling with activity as 86 anglers gathered to prepare for the first outing of the season. Poor weather had grounded any serious fishing beforehand but Sunday heralded an ideal day for fly fishing, with plenty of cloud cover, south westerly breeze and mild conditions.

My boating partner, John O’Callaghan jnr, originally from Killarney, knew every inch of the lake. “I’m now 34 and I’ve been fishing Lein with my father since I was four,” he said. Fishing the shallows, we met fish all day and finished with eight counters including five for John.

However, it was John Boyle, Bandon, with eight fish, and his boat partner, Don Ring, who stole the show with a grand total of 15 trout to take first and second placings. “We fished Sweeney’s shore and the Wash all day with a cast of Connemara Black, Jungle Cock and Black Pennell,” he said.

John, a truck driver with timber haulage company, Horgan Brothers, is a member of Macroom AC and has competed in the Charity for 25 years, finishing in the top 10 on numerous occasions.

Charity chairman Philip Horan thanked the sponsors, singling out Lee Strand Creamery for their €500 sponsorship. Results: 1, J Boyle, 8 fish; 2, D Ring, 7f; 3, S Krzsztof, 6f. Best lady angler: A McWilliams, 1f. Best junior: O O’Shea, 1f. Heaviest fish: 0.405kg, B O’Brien.

Outstanding success
The Lough Ree International Pike Boat Festival at Athlone was again a resounding success with 165 anglers (83 boats) recording 18 pike between 100cm and 113.5cm in length. Now in its fourth year, the three-day event included the Pike World Cup and, in total, paid out a staggering €20,000 in prizes.

High winds somewhat hampered the first two days, however, day three was pike bonanza day with a string of specimens, topped by a superb 113.5cm fish (about 13kg) by Dermot Sammon (Athlone), who won €3,000 for the longest fish of the festival.

The festival is sponsored by Fáilte Ireland and supported by Lakelands & Inland Waterways. Results: (Day 1): M McCaffery (Sligo), 107cm; (D2): M Hughes (Sligo), 109cm; (D3): B & F Darby (Mullingar), 105cm. World Cup: J McEntaggert/B Connell (Westmeath).

First salmon
Geoffrey Fitzjohn landed the first salmon on the Kylemore Fisheries last Wednesday at 3kg from Gavin's Pool on the Middle River, fishing his usual Black Shrimp. He missed another on in the Upper River.

“We have seen plenty of fish recently but bitter winds have left the fish reluctant to move from the bottom of the river and angling effort has been light,” according to fisheries manager, Nigel Rush.

For bookings, contact nigelrush@eircom.net.

Pearl flash
There is little difference to the Blue Charm Variant (pictured below left) than the standard blue charm hair wing except for the added pearl flash to the rib and wing, and fluorescent green in the tag. However, this particular pattern has become more common in salmon flies of today. "A fluorescent green butt also works well on similar patterns," according to fly-tyer Jimmy Tyrrell. See irishflycraft @gmail.com or call 086- 8451257.

Fishing for All
A fishing competition takes place next Monday at the Fishing for All Facility in Aughrim, Co Wicklow, from noon to 3pm. Plaques and vouchers for category winners. Call 0402-36552.

angling@irishtimes.com