On the 3rd & 4th March, Belturbet Angling & Conservation Club held their first Grand Pike Competition on the River Erne & Lakes at Belturbet, Co. Cavan

Wow, what a fabulous couple of days it turned out to be !  The late ‘Phil Fitzpatrick’ of the Cosy Bar Bridge St., Belturbet in who’s honour this competition is named, would have been extremely proud to have been associated with it. He probably had a pint with every angler that ever visited Belturbet.

Competitors in a hurry to find the best spot on the River Erne
Competitors in a hurry to find the best spot on the River Erne

They came from every corner of England and from all over Europe as well, hundreds of people descended on Belturbet from May to September every year. It has provided us with an opportunity to showcase the wonderful natural resources that are in abundance all around Belturbet including the beautiful River Erne and the 365 lakes that cover our landscape. Over the next year we hope to be able to improve access and provide facilities for our local and visiting anglers as well as our community.

Results

  • Heaviest Bag (Saturday)  93lb 7oz won by Joe Mc Dermott, Longford.
  • Heaviest Bag (Sunday)  67lb 4 oz won by Phil Eagan.
  • Heaviest Fish over the 2 days, 20lb won by Joe Mc Dermott.
  • 2nd Heaviest Fish, 17lb 10oz, won by Joe Mc Dermott.
  • 3rd Heaviest Fish, 15lb, won by Joe Mc Dermott.
  • 2nd Heaviest Bag (Saturday) 59lb 9oz won by Seamus Smith.
  • 2nd Heaviest Bag (Sunday) 58lb 7oz won by Willie Heasley.
  • 2 Youngest Competitor prizes were won by David Smith and David Blaney.

Total Weight (Saturday) was 450lb

Total weight (Sunday) was 350lb

Giving a total of 800lb over the 2 days.

Winner Joe Mc Dermott with the best pike 17lb 10 oz
Winner Joe Mc Dermott with the best pike 17lb 10 oz

Stats

Pike Venue: River Erne and waters.

14 Boats participated from counties: Armagh, Louth, Longford, Cavan, Monaghan and Roscommon including overseas competitors from Belgium and England.

172 Pike were caught over the 2 days.

5 land weigh Stations and 2 Boat stations. All boats had fish barrels.  Fish released unharmed within 15 minutes.

A Word of thanks !

Belturbet Angling & Conservation Club would like to thank everybody for their generous donations of raffle prizes and sponsorship for the Phil Fitzpatrick Memorial Grand Pike Competition held on Saturday, 3rd & Sunday, 4th March.   Both days were a great achievement and we very much appreciate your kind support. We would also like to thank everyone who has participated in our very first competition and for making it a huge success. Anyone interested in joining the Club, please contact Caroline Connolly, tel. 0861049298  or  0499522976

Kevin Payne Chairman BACC and Karen Fitzpatrick grand daughter of 'Phil'.
Kevin Payne Chairman BACC and Karen Fitzpatrick grand daughter of 'Phil'.