Today was one of the better days of the week with bright sunshine from early morning as 29 teams gathered in the car park at the Old Coach Inn in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan. The match was being fish on Black and Yellow Islands, White Island and Concra Wood. The event was organised by Ballybay Angling Association with Liam O’Brien and Sheila Bromley and their team, professionally undertaking all the work involved. The bait van did brisk business as anglers stocked up on maggots, casters, groundbait and other essentials. All keep nets, landing nets and other gear was dipped at the station provided at the Old Coach Inn.
It was a five hour match and the all in was called at 11am and the all out was to be called at 4pm. There was a sharp wind and the day changed from bright sunny crisp conditions to overcast with icy rain showers and hailstones. Some anglers were quick off the mark with the majority opting for the feeder. Catches were mainly of roach with occasional hybrids. The fishing was tough on occasions and although challenging it was very rewarding as well. All anglers caught with weights varying from 9.330kgs down to just a couple of grams.
After the all out at 4pm and the weighing at all sections, anglers returned to the Old Bridge Inn in Castleblayney where owner Raymond Watters had laid on complementary food and refreshments for everyone. While eveyone else tucked into the grub, Sheila, Liam and Club members crunched the numbers and came up with the final results.
Winners of the event were the Lurgan Concra Team which was made up of Cathal Hughes, Philip Jackson, Jim McAlastair and Johnny Keith. Well done to the lads on their win.
Special thanks to Raymond at the Old Coach Inn for providing the food and refreshments. A big well done too to the organisers, Sheila, Liam and their team. A great event. There was 100% payout of all monies taken in today for both for the teams and the pools.
Full results from today’s event will be posted shortly.
