Josie Mahon of Inland Fisheries Ireland reports that Courtlough Trout Fishery in Balbriggan, North County Dublin was the venue for an angling media competition organised by Derek Evans and Courtlough Trout Fishery on Friday 7th November. Despite heavy rainfall in the days leading up to this event, thankfully a fine clear day dawned with light winds, making conditions favourable for fly fishing.
14 anglers from a variety of broadcast and print media took part in the competition on the scenic fly fishing lake in Courtlough, which is located in Balbriggan in North County Dublin. Competitors included Fergal Keane from RTE, Liam Kane from Irish Angler, Hugh Bonner from Mara Media, Paddy O’Flaherty from BBC Radio Ulster and Derek Evans from the Irish Times to name but a few.
The fishery was split into two zones with competitors fishing one zone in the morning and the other in the afternoon. The day proved very productive with lots of fish caught, some of which weighed 5-7lbs, with some whoppers up to 10lbs also caught. Catch and release applied, the winning score based on the cumulative length of Trout caught. Paul Bourke from Inland Fisheries Ireland was the first to strike gold with a great fighting rainbow which was followed by many more. Peter O’Reilly, accomplished author of many great fishing books in Ireland, quickly followed suit, along with Paddy O’Flaherty catching some fine rainbow trout including one up to 10lbs weight. Following a delicious lunch provided by Garrett Ruigrok of Courtlough Trout fishery, competitors returned to the fishery. Fine conditions continued throughout the day with many more fish landed including some whoppers! However, Peter’s fighting form continued as he caught and released 16 fish in total which landed him the first prize! In total 76 hard fighting rainbow trout were caught, recorded and released during the competition.
The prize-giving ceremony took place in the Country cafe of Courtlough Fishery and Mr. Derek Evans of the Irish Times presented the prizes. Peter O’Reilly, famous angler and author won the competition catching 16 fish and was presented with a perpetual cup and prize. Second place went to Paddy O’Flaherty from BBC Radio Ulster who caught 9 fish and third place went to Fergal Keane from RTE who also caught 9 fish. Maurice Neill of Spectator Newspapers in Northern Ireland won the longest fish at 60cm, winning a Shimano rod sponsored by Inland Fisheries Ireland.
Derek Evans thanked all involved: ‘I would like to congratulate all participants here today and to thank the media for their support to this fantastic new fishery in North County Dublin. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Garrett Ruigrok and the staff at Courtlough Fishery for their very generous hospitality and fantastic facilities provided here today. I would also like to thank our sponsors for their generous prizes: Inland Fisheries Ireland, Courtlough Trout Fishery, Mick Flanagan and Wicklow Boat Charters.
Courtlough Trout Fishery is located in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin. The grounds of Courtlough also offer clay pigeon shooting, archery and an extreme adventure zone. Dublin Falconry is also located here. For further information contact Garrett at:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 087 2712704
Contact person: Garrett
