Joe Kenna, PRO for ITFFA writes that congratulations go to renowned Galway angler Robert Reilly on winning a 19’ Sheelin boat in the Irish Trout Fly fishing Associations’s (ITFFA) youths fundraising competition, which was held at Lough Owel on 7th April 2013. Robert, who is from Loughrea, is no stranger to the fly angling scene having represented Ireland at international level on numerous occasions. Robert who also coached the 2012 Irish team that won gold at the international match on Lough Sheelin was partnered with his son Ciaran who will represent the Irish Youths Team in 2013.

Boat winner Robert Reilly is pictured with his son Ciaran Reilly
Boat winner Robert Reilly is pictured with his son Ciaran Reilly

With a boat for 1st Prize and a Climb8 wetsuit for the heaviest fish this competition was certain to be a success from the outset. Conditions were extremely tough with a bitter cold easterly wind; however despite the poor conditions eighty four anglers turned out to support this event. Lough Owel lived up to her reputation as a premier brown trout fishery with 104 fish being presented for weighing and scores more fish being returned to the water alive.

Lough Owel is an excellent brown trout venue and is well worth a visit. Anglers could try fishing a silver or claret dabbler in the shallow water and with the weather set to warm up over the coming week there should be little action to be had on duckfly patterns also.

Other Results were as follows:-

  • 1st Robert Reilly 3.450 kg
  • 2nd Gary Binley 3.110 kg
  • 3rd Gearoid Kirwin 2.870 kg
  • 4th Eddie Harte 2.780 kg
  • 5th Larry Gibb 2.740 kg
  • 6th Dylan Ennis (Juvenile Angler) 2.565kg
  • 7th Ciaran Reilly (Juvenile Angler) 2.545kg
  • 8th Greg Long 2.51kg
  • 9th Mel Campbell 2.485kg
  • 10th Peter Byrne 2.475 kg

Heaviest Fish 1.970kg Jackie Coyne

Secret Weight (1.346kg) Danny Cole

The ITFFA Youths Committee would like to extend their gratitude all who supported this event including Lough Owel Trout Preservation Association, Inland Fisheries Ireland, the participants and those who sponsored prizes; all funds raised will be used to support juvenile anglers.

 

 

In the attached photograph boat winner Robert Reilly is pictured with his son Ciaran Reilly.