Enda Fields reports that over the last couple of months, local club Emy & District Anglers; Campbell Barid (who is the national youth coaching officer for TAFI Ireland) the IFI; and Monaghan County Council under the peace III European structural fund were all involved with the organising  a number of youth cross border fly fishing workshops.
Many thanks, to Leona Kenna peace development officer and Gerry Campbell resource allocation model officer from Monaghan County Council.
These events have been a huge success; contributing towards youth and adult collaboration/networking from cross community (youths/adults who attended were from protestant and catholic backgrounds).  The last workshop was held on Emy Lough Emyvale on Sunday last Sept. 21st. There was a great turnout of locals and visitors. Despite the bright sunshine a number of fish was caught and release back into the water. There were 6 boats on the lake which was lovely to see.

Attendees at the North South Cross Border Event
Attendees at the Cross Border Fly fishing Workshop on Emy Lough

Since the project inception in May of this year, the workshops have supported and improved relationships for everyone involved. In coming together, youths have gained self-confidence on boats, fly casting and catching fish at different venues, learning/development /improving skills in fly fishing and caring for the natural environment.
The workshops have help divert youths away from anti-social behaviour. It has encouraged responsible and positive participation within their communities. Attendees have learned a lot of new skills. All youths have loved meeting each other at different venues and this has help developed further respect for each other working as teams i.e. designing and tying new fly patterns; helping landing and handling fish – they had to work and trust each other on boats and on the shoreline; learning about water safety – wearing life jackets and sharing of ideas about other possible hazards while fishing. Friendships and respect have developed since our first project workshop in May which would not have been possible if grant assistance and volunteer help was not provided.
Participants Learning to Cast a Fly at the Cross Border Workshops
Participants Learning to Cast a Fly at the Cross Border Workshops

Many thanks to Emy and District anglers club members for helping out and thanks to Leo McMahon, lake shore for use of his facilities, to Victor Watterson, Derrygasson for use of his boat and to McMahon’s shop Emyvale for the lovely food and refreshments. Thanks also to all the angling clubs from Cedar Valley Co Armagh, Camowen and Loughmacrory Co. Tyrone, Woodford Anglers in Co Antrim and Finore Anglers, Co Tyrone for all their help in making this event possible.
Getting to Grips With Casting on Emy Lough
Getting to Grips With Casting on Emy Lough