Angling Notes: Trout fly fishing championship celebrates 60 years on the Mask

From a humble beginning in 1953, when just 164 competed over two days, this year’s “World Cup” championship attracted 470 home-based and cross-channel anglers over five days to the shores of Lough Mask at Cushlough Bay, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo.

Top angler on finals day was Dr Eugene McCarthy from Bushypark, Co Galway, with two cracking fish for 3.3kg (7.20lb) – a catch that included the heaviest overall of 2.4kg (5.27lb). “I fished the Maamtrasna Bay area all day with a Sooty Olive and Cock Robin. The Sooty Olive was tied by my uncle Toby Bradshaw,” he said.

Eugene is a senior researcher at the Marine and Freshwater Centre, GMIT and member of Bráithreacht na Coiribe AC. He qualified on Friday with boatman Philip Kavanagh with one trout and on finals day with boatman Brian Joyce.

“My father introduced me to fly-fishing on Lough Corrib. After he passed away in 1995, I stopped fishing until my friend and fly-tyer Noel O’Toole encouraged me to get back into it in 2006”, he said.

Weatherwise, this year’s event had all four seasons rolled into one – torrential rain, sunshine and cloud. Friday’s competitors experienced very strong winds but, ironically, the day produced the greatest catch. On such days it is a case of the deep on wets for the daphnia-feeders and the shallows on dries for calmer days.

The Lough Mask and Corrib Rescue Service D-class lifeboat crew kept a close watch on proceedings each day. “We had no call-outs, everything went ok”, coxswain Barry O’Toole said.

As a token of appreciation to the rescue service, Marie Walsh, on behalf of her late husband David, who helped to set up the service in 2004, presented coxswain Barry O’Toole with a cheque for €1,000.

Inland Fisheries Ireland implemented a biosecurity initiative to prevent the spread of invasive-species whereby anglers were requested to dip boots into Virkon disinfectant tanks prior to fishing.

“It’s an important exercise as it keeps anglers focused and aware of the dangers to our lakes of invasive species,” John Campbell said.

Robbie O’Grady (84) mused: “Over the 60 years, I’m still the No 1 angler. Although three of us have won the championships on two occasions, I still retain top spot because along with my two wins, I came a close second in 1995, beaten only by the weight of an envelope.”

Now president, he was there in 1953, winning in both 1964 and 1976. “In the early years I saved hard to raise the £5 entry fee and, of course, it was oars in those days before the Seagull outboard arrived,” he said.

The World Cup Trout Fly Angling Championship is a class act to follow. From an organisational perspective it’s all about team work and this committee, led by chairman Joe Cusack, exudes confidence. Secretary Esther Sweeney works tirelessly in the background and plays a major role in the success of the festival.

My stay in Danagher’s Hotel in Cong was most enjoyable. Excellent food, keenly priced, live traditional music and a comfortable nights’ sleep.

Results: 1, Eugene McCarthy (Galway). Prize: 19ft Anglers Fancy Boat, sponsored by Burke Boats and the WC committee; 15hp Honda Engine, sponsored by Duffys, Headford and the WC committee; Marksman Fly Rod, sponsored by Hardy; the Watch, sponsored by Murphy Newsagents; World Cup Perpetual Trophy. 2, John Moroney (Clare), 4f, 2.2kg; 3, Brian McInerney (Clare), 3f, 1.8kg.

Derrynane SAC is holding an outing next Saturday, with all proceeds going to the local inshore rescue unit. Boats de- part from Derrynane Harbour at 10.30am and skippers are providing boats free. Entry fee is €20 and €10 for juniors. Pre-registration in Keating's Pub on Friday from 6-6.45pm. Further details from David O'Mahony at 087-419 4285.

The 34th Lough Melvin Trout Angling Championship will take place at Garrison, Co Fermanagh from August 22nd to 25th. Entry fee: With boat/engine – €50; without boat/engine – €100, based on a first-come, first-served basis. Six fish allowed per angler, maximum 12 per boat. No gillaroo to be killed.

Cheques/PO to Garrison Melvin Anglers’ Association. Entries to M Finney, 63c Chanterhill Rd, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh BT74 6DF. Tel: 028-6632 6114. Closing date: Wed August 14th.

angling@irishtimes.com