Joe Kenna of  Irish Trout Fly Fishing Associations reports that Robert Farrington of Dublin Trout Anglers won the recent Jimmy Allard Cup in the qualifier competition for the 2014 ITFFA Youths International Fly Angling Team. Robert, who caught six smashing trout on a Silver dabbler, has secured himself a place on the 2014 team who will represent Ireland in the 2014 International Match.

Fifty anglers, including one young lady, competed in this event from which the majority of the team that will represent Ireland will be selected.

Robert Farrington is pictured with ITFFA Secretary, Michael Callaghan, and fellow Dublin Trout Angler Alma McDonnell who also competed in the Youths Qualifier Competition
Robert Farrington is pictured with ITFFA Secretary, Michael Callaghan, and fellow Dublin Trout Angler Alma McDonnell who also competed in the Youths Qualifier Competition

Whilst fishing conditions were extremely tough with light north-east winds, extremely bright sunshine and relatively low temperatures, anglers still required two good sized trout to qualify and go forward to represent Ireland. Other successful anglers who will represent Ireland include Kelvin Kelly (Brown Trout Anglers), Mark Bowen (Fish &Tips), Ciaran Reilly (Loughrea), Oisin Reilly (Loughrea), Niall Flood (Leixlip), Andrew Rea (Banbridge) and Jack Egan (Lough Sheelin).

This result is testament to the great trout angling venue that Lough Owel continues to be. Lough Owel is well worth a visit and anglers should try fishing shallow water with a team of wet flies comprising of some fry type patterns.

Robert Farrington is pictured with thew Jimmy Allard Cup.
Robert Farrington is pictured with thew Jimmy Allard Cup.