Loch an Dochais, Kilcormac, Co. Offaly was the venue for the 2014 All Ireland Angling Competition for anglers with special needs, organised by The Friends of Loch an Dochais on Sunday 25th May.

Despite the damp, wet and overcast weather conditions the event attracted 30 anglers made up of 6 ladies and 24 men from 7 different counties. The anglers were fishing for the Mary Robinson Perpetual Trophy.

Loch an Dochais is an accessible fishery
Loch an Dochais is an accessible fishery

At the presentation of prizes at St. Joseph’s Community Centre Kilcormac, Chairperson of The Friends of Loch an Dochais Seamus Barron, welcomed everyone and said all who took part in today’s event were winners and praised the high standard of angling seen. He thanked the main sponsors Bord na Mona, Kilcormac Development Association and Inland Fisheries Ireland. He thanked the lads who prepared the lake for today’s event, the helpers at lake, the bus drivers and carers, the Fisheries Board staff, the community centre staff and the ladies who provided lovely welcome refreshments.

Loch an Dochais
Some of the competitors in the Junior section at Loch an Dochais

Tom Feighery of the Kilcormac Development Association then presented prizes of beautiful carved Bog Oak to the winners. There were carved by local craftsman Don O’Boyle. He praised The Friends of Loch an Dochais for organising the event and stated that the K.D.A. are delighted to be associated with it.

On behalf of Council for the Blind, Alice Ahearn thanked the group for inviting them along today and stated they had a lovely day and look forward to coming again. John Ryan Tipperary branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association also paid tribute to the group and thanked them for the warm and friendly welcome they always get.

Loch an Dochais
Some of the senior anglers at the prize giving

In concluding Seamus Barron wished all the angler a safe journey home and looked forward to seeing them all again next year.

42 trout were caught and the following are the results of the 2014 All Ireland Competition;

1st Paddy O’Dwyer, Tipperary – 4 trout for 4lb 10ozs

2nd Paul Cope, Tipperary – 4 trout for 4lb 9ozs

3rd Rodge Molloy, Offaly – 4 trout for 4lb 6ozs

Ladies prize went to Audrey Thynan, Tipperary.

 

In the youth competition 14 anglers took part and caught 12 trout and the results were as follows;

1st Tyler Hannon, Kilcormac – 4 trout for 4lb 6ozs

2nd Kellie O’Driscoll, Clara – 2 trout for 3lb 14ozs

3rd Jordan Delaney, Kilcormac – 4 trout for 3lb 4ozs