The Ireland Angling Show 2014 took place in Swords, Co. Dublin over the weekend Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th February 2014. As usual the Dublin Angling Initiative (DAI) interactive display area and kids zone was packed to capacity. The very popular interactive family area, expertly managed by Dublin Angling Initiatives’ Des Chew and Josie Mahon and their very knowledgeable and dedicated team, proved extremely popular with everyone visiting the show. Visitors of all ages were provided with all the information and assistance that they needed to take up fishing. With lots of assistance from the staff on the stand adults and children learned how to set up a fishing rod, tie knots and bait up a hook.
Many of Ireland’s most experienced and well known anglers were present to assist and as usual were giving freely of their time, knowledge and expertise. The fish display tanks, the interactive sea life centre and the beautiful birds of prey display all provided children and adults alike with an opportunity to get in touch with nature in a controlled environment. There were also lots of competitions and prizes to add to the fun factor on this very family friendly stand.
The Dublin Angling Initiative was set up in 1995. Its principle aims are to promote, develop and improve angling in the Dublin and Greater Dublin area and is sponsored by the Inland Fisheries Ireland.
During the summer months the main work of the initiative is taking young people from National and Secondary schools, summer projects and youth services throughout Dublin City Centre and its suburbs on fishing courses. Already thousands of young people have been introduced to the joys of sea, coarse and game angling at the venues that are accessible by bus and rail from Dublin City centre.
The Initiative has also been a catalyst in setting up fishing clubs for many of these young people and given them a hobby they can enjoy for life.
Another vital role of the Initiative is to stock waterways and small lakes in the Dublin area, thus providing anglers with a greater variety of fishing. We are aware of the need for more angling locations and the initiative has assisted in the creation of new fisheries. During the winter months, the Initiative visits schools in Dublin promoting the benefits of angling as a pass time and the need to protect and conserve our aquatic environment.
Fishing competitions for juniors and a host of other events feature on the calendar of the Dublin Angling Initiative, attracting greater interest to the sport year after year.
For further information on the DAI, please contact Des Chew, DAI Coordinator on 087 6740214
