Garadice always evokes memories. My mind drifts back to that catch of two good bronzed bream and two golden shiny rudd, taken from Haughton’s Shore, way back in 1969, on my impressionable young youthful days. It was with hope of similar positive and lasting impressions being made, that almost 50 youngsters, boys and girls, with tired but excited faces, gathered to partake in the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland, Junior All Ireland event, hosted by the Lakeland Angling Club of Ballinamore on Saturday, August 30th.
Competitors from as far as Wexford, gathered in the Ballinamore Scout Den, for the all important draw and morning refreshments served by Hamill’s, on a soft drizzly morning. The event catered for all angling abilities, with sections for novices, u14 and u18. Talk was. Of which baits to employ, what methods to apply and what species to target. Mums, dads, grandparents and club organizers provided transport, knowledge and encouraging support.
Novices were located on the less demanding Haughton’s Shore and degrees of parental assistance were encouraged to assist competitors as young as 8. The more independent and able u14’s and u18’s, set up their stalls or stages on the windier Church Shore, to fire out feeders or waggle wagglers. All were eager to compete for the sponsored prizes provided by Senses, Trabuco, Tubertini and Southside Angling Center of Dublin. Free portions of bait, provided by Irish Angling Services packed by Gabriel Owens/The Forge, to encourage the fish to gather and feast. Tackle used, ranged from 6ft beginner rods, to the latest space station seat boxes and fluorocarbon lines. For some, the opportunity to partake and possibly catch a fish, was enough, for others, the search to become the champion was paramount. The Novice section saw one young lady, dancing along the gravel bank shouting, “I’ve caught a fish!”, but, then being worried about touching it! The more proficient reeled in roach and hybrids at a speedy rate, starting to fill their keepnets! One competitor had forgotten his wellies, so he rolled up his jeans and paddled barefoot. Three hours of cries of delight, less complimentary comments, where fish lost or missed, and parental encouragement or consultation quickly flew by.
The weigh in, to establish who had caught the greatest weight of fish, competitors, parents, grandparents and spectators gathered to view the results of the telltale scales. Friendly banter and congratulations were the order of the day! The wonderful day was rounded off with a delightful sausage and chips and formal presentations at Smyth’s Pub in Ballinamore.
Compliments of
David Swann, Lakelands Angling Club, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim
