Irish Angling Development Alliance report on their Junior competiton:
On Saturday the 8th of August young competitors from various parts of the country came to compete in the Junior Irish Open.
The competition was divided into 2 sections. 1 for novices ( those that had never fished an organised competition) and those who had.
After the draw at the Old Coach Inn at 9.30, nets were provided by the IADA and the eager young men made their way to White Island to commence the set up. Assisted by coaches from Navan, Carrickmacross, Naas and the IADA all juniors got set up in a safe and comfortable manner.
At midday the “all in” was called and it was interesting to see the different approaches to the pegs by the young lads. Some fished waggler and some fished feeder, while the more experienced set off working on landing as many small fish as possible on the pole.
Midway through it was pretty obvious that that it was between Michael Kelly ( NADA), Eoin Rogers ( Carrickmacross) and Aussie Conway ( NADA) for the title while the novice section was anyone’s for the taking.
The excitement on the bank was tremendous with the adult club members as excited as the youngsters.
With the weigh in officiated by Peter Walsh it was a close affair with Eoin Rogers ( carrickmacross AC) coming in 3rd with 3kg900 . 2nd was Aussie Conway (NADA) with 4kg 900 and Michael Kellly (NADA) with 5kg 190gms.
In the Novice section Mark, Conor and Gary were presented with fantastic prizes of a 10m Maver pole , an 11ft Maver feeder rod and a Maver reactorlite reel as well as gold,siver and bronze medals A determined Michael Kelly
Michael Kelly was presented with a fantastic Maver Seat box and his gold medal was hung around his neck by Richard Caplice from the IADA. Austin Conway
Aussie Conway took Silver and a Maver 11ft feeder rod and Reactorlite reel.
Eoin Rogers wore the bronze medal and got a full Maver Lugage set .
Luke and Liam took 4th and 5th and received runner up prizes of a Maver whip.
Everyone received a Maver goodie bag with some lovely tackle. Liam Hubbock
All the competitors have a great future in Angling and many of them still have a good few years left in the junior section so I expect to see them all on the podium again shortly.
The Irish Angling Development Alliance is very proud of all the young men that competed and a particular thanks must go to the Coaches, Club officials and parents that give their time freely week in and week out for the betterment of our sport. These young people should be encouraged in every way possible and we are delighted to see the structure is now in place for them to progress in the angling field. Eamon Rogers Junior angler
Looking forward to seeing you all again at the Junior Canal Championships in Newry in September.
Any clubs who have juniors to participate in the coaching sessions or want help setting up their own session please contact [email protected] Paul Mcloughlin Irish Angling Development Alliance
085 2100880
