Joe Kenna of Irish Trout Fly Fishing Association tells us that congratulations go to Basil Shields of Galway Corrib Angling Club who won the Lennon Trophy for the best overall angler at the Irish Trout Fly Fishing Associations Interprovincial Match. This year’s match was hosted by Lough Lene Anglers and while this competition is a team event, it is also an important part of the process used to select individual anglers who will represent Ireland at the 2015 International Fly Fishing Matches.
Basil was a member of the team from Connacht who won the Interprovincial Challenge Cup with 58 trout for 24,610 points. Second place went to Leinster with 52 trout for 22,180 points, 3rd place went to Ulster with 48 trout for 20,790 points and 4th place went to Munster with 41 trout and 17,390 points. Basil will now go forward to represent Ireland when he competes in the 2015 International Fly Fishing Match.
Basil who caught 11 trout for 4,340 points on dry flies also won the Deacy Cup for the best rod from Connacht, whilst Eamonn Keaney of Moycullen Angling Club won the Scotch Bowl for the largest trout, which measured a very impressive 60cm. Other successful anglers who will join Basil and represent Ireland at the 2015 International Matches include, Mike Keady (Galway Corrib), Thomas O’Loughlin (Ennis), Arden Pollock (Agivey), Colin Cahill (Lough Bane), Hubert Smith (Dundalk), Peter Roche (Ballina Cloghans), Denis Goulding (Kilbride), Paul Lunney ( Lough Sheelin) and Gary Smith (Bangor).
Lough Lene trout can be very finicky and anglershad to be be prepared to vary their angling methods as conditions dictated. Many of the methods that produced trout during the practice sessions didn’t work on match day, but for those who stuck with dries there was success to be had.
Lough Lene is an excellent trout fishery that produces quality brown and rainbow trout throughout the season. With sedges, snails, fry and daddies being just some of the items on the menu, anglers should consider a visit to Lough Lene before the trout season closes on the 30th September. Day tickets and boat hire are available from Mr Tom Fagan and day tickets can also be purchased at the local Gala shop.
The Irish Trout Fly Fishing Association would like to congratulate Basil and the rest of the Connacht Team on a superb win and we wish those who will represent Ireland in 2015 the very best of luck as they commence preparations for the International Matches!
Joe Keena
Irish Trout Fly Fishing Association
Image 1- Mr Basil Shields in action
Image 2 – Mr Basil Shields receives the Lennon Trophy from ITFFA Chairman, Mr Pat Foley
