The first ever 5 Nations International Fly Fishing Championships were held in Stirling Scotland from the 4th to the 10th of August 2014.
The competing nations were Ireland, England, Scotland, Belgium and France.
Competitors from the five nations competed over two days on the lake of mentality, Carron Valley Reservoir, the Devon River and the River Carron. The organisers also used the Endrick River and the upper reaches of the Clyde for team practice.
Angling conditions in Scotland were similar to Irish conditions with very low water levels, so the competitors had to call on all of their skills to tempt lethargic fish.
As always local knowledge can have a major bearing in these events, and the Scottish team were installed as favourites for the event.
The Irish team showed great promise during practice but a series of unfavourable beat draws didn’t do their chances any good during the competition days.
The event was won by England who finished ahead of event favourites Scotland.
This was the first ever 5 nations competition and it was a major success for the countries taking part. Hopefully this event will go from strength to strength and we all look forward to next year’s event at a venue to be confirmed.
The Trout Anglers Federation of Ireland were represented by the following anglers,
Eugene Nolan, Liam Conroy, Robbie Flaherty, Tony McCrave, Stewart McGraine, Robbie Phelan, John Lawlor, Micheal Keane, Richard Cremin, John Willis, Tom Healy and Leo Foley. The team was managed by Tom Ankettell.
