The Irish Federation of Sea Anglers (IFSA) All Ireland Open Shore Fishing Championships took place yesterday Saturday 7th March 2015 at Ballinesker Beach in Co Wexford. The event was jointly organised by Courtown and Kilmuckridge Sea Angling Clubs and a whopping 148 anglers travelled from all over Ireland to participate in what is one of the most prestigious events on the sea angling calendar. The large attendance, the biggest for a number of years, no doubt bears testament to the high esteem in which the organisers are held. Fishing was to take place from 4pm to 9pm and the prize-giving ceremony was scheduled for the Curracloe Hotel after the event. It was quite a sight to see three Kilometers of sea anglers compete for the coveted All Ireland Open Shore Fishing Championship titles at Ballinesker in Co Wexford.
The day started bright but clouded over quickly. Winds were very strong from the SW ranging in strength from 6 to 7. The sand was skirting along the beach at a rate of knots and on occasion made fishing very difficult. Is must be said that the choice of location helped as the wind ended up mostly over the shoulder and it did ease slightly as evening fell.
When the “all in” was called at 4 pm, 148 anglers launched their baits seaward towards their chosen mark, some fishing short and some fishing long. Unusually, the two end pegs, peg 1 and peg 150 were occupied by Harry McKee, senior and junior that is. The five hour match would show if either or both would derive an advantage from their draw.
It was known from the outset that the fishing was going to be tough, given the weather and time of year but right from the off the competitors could see that every single fish was going to be hard won. The incoming tide tumbled violently against the beach and kicked up some weed into suspension which added further to the difficulties.
The water was coloured and although bites were scarce fish were being landed at intervals. The normal hectic first half hour did not really materialise and a workman like approach was adopted by most of the competitors who were happy to pick off individual fish as the opportunity presented itself. Flounder, whiting and rockling were the most abundant catches but after darkness fell it was known that final results would only be revealed when the final scores were tallied back at the hotel in Curracloe.
When the scores were compiled it showed a tough day overall and the cover of darkness on an incoming tide still failed to yield any bumper catches. Following the awarding of the prizes for section wins and pools the titles were presented.
In the Senior event Harry McKee , jnr from Belfast took the gold and the IFSA All Ireland Open Shore Fishing Championship 2015 title. Harry will now captain the Irish team in the 2016 shore event being held in the UK next year. In second place taking silver was Darren O’Connor and in the bronze medal position in third was Paul Whelan.
In the ladies event Lisa Gormley took gold and the title of IFSA All Ireland Ladies Open Shore Champion.
In the junior event Daniel Reynolds came in first position retaining his title. In second place was Curtis Connolly who took the silver and in third place taking the bronze medal was Connor Walsh.
