The weekend saw an absolute first for the Carlow Coarse Angling Club as they were asked to judge a competition and present prizes at two competitions in the Southern Counties Fishing Resort in Garryhill, Co. Carlow.

With the back drop of the beautiful Mount Leinster as a canvas the competitions kicked off on Saturday morning well wrapped up for the day ahead. Several anglers in the fly fishing only competition netted Rainbow Trout that were over two foot long thus keeping judges Gerry McStraw and Leon Deere from Graiguecullen busy for the day measuring and documenting each angler’s catch. Anglers turned up from Shileliagh and as far afield as Sallins and Dublin for the competitions and were not dissapointed at the stamp of fish being caught, most of which were in the 4 to 5 lb bracket.

Gerry mcstraw Carlow cac Chairman presenting Ozzy Conway with his winners Trophy
Gerry McStraw, Carlow Coarse Angling Club Chairman, presenting Ozzy Conway with his winners trophy

After two hours on each day the anglers broke for a well deserved cup of tea. The Foley family provided a very well recieved bowl of homemade soup, sandwiches, rolls and cakes for all competitors in the purpose built clubhouse at the lakes. Angling resumed at 2pm on with all anglers eager to get at the very hard fighting fish and fill up their cards. The first competition was eventually won by popular Leinster angler Mr Robbie Phelan with eight fish averaging around 50cm each, the biggest fish of the weekend also went to mr Phelan at 63cm. Young 12 year old Ozzie Conway from Sallins Co.Kildare won the Sunday event with five fish averaging 40cm each. Pics taken during the event can be viewed on the popular blog ran by the Carlow CAC chairman http://carlowcoarseanglingguides.blogspot.com/

If you require any information regarding the fishery or indeed the Carlow Coarse Angling Club please do not hesitate to contact Gerry on 085 2844566.