On Saturday 29th August, Lakelands Angling Ballinamore, Co Leitrim played host to Ireland’s premier junior coarse angling event, the All Ireland Championships. NCFFI has the full report…
The participating anglers were divided into separate sections, Novice, U14, U18 and for the first time U23’s. The inclusion of the U23 section is to recognise the hard work and dedication of those who have applied for and had the opportunity to represent Ireland on the International stage over the past few years. Until now when our junior anglers reached 18 they were forced to take part in senior only events causing some to walk away from the sport. The inclusion of a U23 section aims to encourage a transition for our young anglers from under 18 to senior, where confidence and skills can be improved, and as with so many other NCFFI initiatives we hope to see clubs and others follow this example.
47 young hopefuls met at Smyths Siopa Ol & Tae to draw their pegs at 10am having travelled far & wide across Ireland. There was great representation from our clubs; Killinarden Angling Initiative – KAI, Dublin the recently affiliated Carraickmacross Coarse Angling and Youth Development Cub, Monaghan, Kildare’s Royal Enfield CAC and Erne Anglers Club from Enniskillen.
As everyone registered they were presented with a free pint of maggots and castors courtesy of Irish Bait and Tackle Limited and a kilo of Sensas ground bait thanks to Sensas Ireland. As is the norm for NCFFI events everyone was required to dip their nets and the dipping station was provided by Inland Fisheries Ireland on the bank for convenience.
All sections were pegged on the mighty Lough Garadice which boasts parking behind your peg and toilet facilities on most shores. Grassy Bank was the venue for the Novices, with the U14’s on the Deeps of Church Shore with the U 18’s on Cully’s Shore. The U23’s were tasked with the more difficult Haughton’s Shore. High winds and showers of rain made moth methods more difficult for the juniors.
The match was fished over 3 hours, something we may extend for the U23’s in future and there was much excitement with word of bream from Cully’s. Weigh-in was quickly done and everyone headed back to Smyth’s for a warm-up and sausage & chip supper.
With lots of prizes on offer all of the top four in each category away with a tackle price courtesy of Tubertini. In addition due to the overwhelming support from many tackle shops & suppliers a raffle was held after the presentation.
Results
Novice category
- ERIN BOHAN 1.020k
- 2nd Sarah Connolly – .540kg
- Joint 3rd Conor Gaughan & Shay Lynch – .420kg
U14 Category
- EOIN ROGERS 1.350kg
- 2nd Ryan Dinneny 1.190kg
- 3rd Ryan Reddy .630kg
- 4th Rhys Walsh .550kg
U18 category
- HARRY WHITEHEAD 14.430kg
- 2nd Darragh McKenzie 2.700
- 3rd Ryan Watson 1.320
- 4th Liam McEvilly .550
U23 category
- HAYDN KELLEGHER 1.300kg
- 2nd Josh Kavanagh 1.220
- 3rd Aaron Hutchman 1.090
- 4th Ciaran Kelly 1.000
We would like to thank all of our main sponsors Tubertini UK LTD, Irish Bait & Tackle, Southside Angling (Dublin), Sensas Ireland and Smyths Bar Ballinamore and to all those who donated spot prizes Range River Mountain, Dublin, Shannon Side Tackle, Jamestown, Ardee Tackle,Tooman Fisheries and Gala Drumshambo.
Plus a big thank you to all those who volunteered on the bank to include our Angling Council of Ireland certified coaches, parents, committee and club members. This event was part funded by the NCFFI Junior Development Fund.
NEXT UP:– NCFFI All Ireland Junior Feeder Championships. A new event to be held in County Cavan on the 10th October.
