Last Saturday finally saw an end to the 2015 World Cup on Lough Mask, after being postponed for almost 2 weeks due to adverse weather conditions on the original date. As always the competition was well supported, with just over 500 anglers participating in this year’s event. The final day began with light winds, which for many dry fly anglers was a dream come true, but as the day progressed, the breeze strengthened and the playing field levelled.
This year’s winner was a very popular David Corcoran from Tuam, Co Galway. David weighed in 4 trout, but also had an additional trout on his ticket which was added to his overall weight using a length/weight conversion chart. The winning catch was 5 trout weighing 5.708lbs. In second position was Darren McGuire from Garrison Co Fermanagh, with 5 trout weighing 4.9010lbs. Third place went to 2013 winner Eugene McCarty from Galway, with 3 trout for 4.4760lbs. Heaviest fish winner was Dominic Kerrigan also from Garrison Co Fermanagh, with a trout of 4.1101lbs.
The best under 21 was Gerard McLoughlin from Kells, Co. Meath with an impressive catch of 5 trout weighing 5.494lbs on his heat day. Gerard is a son of the late well-known river and lake angler Pat McLoughlin. Gerard was unable to compete in the final, due to the fact he was representing Ireland in the World River Championships in Colorado, USA on the same weekend. The World Cup committee offered him huge congratulations on his achievement and presented Gerard with a free entry to the 2016 competition. Well known international angler Dorrie Gibbons from Cong took the best lady angler prize with 4 trout weighing 5.826lbs.
Partry Angling Club held their annual development fund raising pairs competition over the weekend, which was supported by 157 anglers from all across the country. Competitors had the option of fishing either Carra or Mask on the day. Conditions were difficult, with light winds and bright sunshine which made for tough going. This year’s winning pair was Shay Cash and David Bohana, both from Dublin with 4 fish weighing 7.74lbs. In second place were brother and sister team, Martin and Kathleen Feerick from Partry, with 3 fish for 5.245lbs. Third place went to loyal Lough Carra anglers Emmet Stagg and Joe Conroy, with 3 trout for 4.56lbs. Hugh Marshall and Raymond Massey weighed in the heaviest fish which was 2.385lbs.
