The opening day on the River Tolka saw great excitement from early morning with approximately 80 anglers turning out for the opening day. The recently stocked River Tolka was teeming with trout. The day was cold and very bright bringing a great gathering of anglers, particularly youngsters to the banks of the River Tolka in Blanchardstown. Many brown trout were caught and many released providing great sport for all those participating.
There were 2 junior competitions, one for youngsters from 3 – 7 years of age, 8 – 16 years and an adult competition too. The winner of the youngest age catetory was Sean Halpin age 6 from Corduff who was with his Dad, Jason Halpin. Sean has been fishing the river since he was 3 years of age and on Saturday he caught his first fish and won the competition! There was great excitement as he was presented with a rod and reel by Josie Mahon, Dublin Angling Initiative, sponsored by Millard Brothers.
Ciaran Kelly age 14 was also a winner and he has participated in a number of Dublin Angling Initiative youth fishing courses over the years and is improving all the time. He was also delighted with his prize. Greg Kwapik from Dunboyne won the adult fishing competition. The competition was organised by The River Tolka Environmental Alliance which has been in existence for a number of years and provides a club for the local community, providing workshops and fly tying classes as well as introductory lessons for beginners.
Millard Brothers sponsored the prizes for the Dublin Angling Initiative for this competition.
