The 2018 Junior All Ireland Canal Championships took place on the Royal Canal on Saturday 21st July. The annual event run by the NCFFI was this year co-hosted by Enfield CAC.

The event includes a Novice section introducing young people to angling in an unpressurised environment with NCFFI coaches on hand for support and supervision. Included in the field for the championships this year were two of our Irish Under 15 team heading for Italy and the World Youth Angling Championships next week providing inspiration for those keen for a future in our sport.

Introducing juniors to competitive angling in a non pressured enviroment

Overall the fishing was good for everyone with some excellent catches for some. Irish International Eoin Rogers had a great weight of over 7lb pounds to win the under 15 section and Conor O’Donoghue an excellent catch of nearly 15lbs to win the novice section. All of Conor’s fish were caught on the whip and included five bream to nearly 4lbs. Most of the fish caught were roach with the odd skimmer. Some tench were also caught with  Roisin Bohan netting three.

U15 All Ireland Championships

Eoin Rogers U15 Champion

1. Eoin Rogers 7lb 6oz
2. Roisin Bohan 3lb 13oz

Novice

Conor O’Donoghue Novice Champion

1. Conor O’Donoghue 14lb 11oz
2. Leah O’Donoghue 2lb 8.5oz
3. Killian McEvilly 2lb 5.5oz

Trophies were presented to the winners, but everyone went home with a prize after enjoying a sausage & chip supper after a busy day on the bank.

The NCFFI would like to thank Waterways Ireland for its continued sponsorship of the event and also Southside Angling for its great support with the prizes. Also, a big thanks to all the coaches and Royal Enfield members with the preparation of the venue.

Budding anglers in the local area are invited to attend the final two legs of the junior summer league held by Royal Enfield CAC, an Angling for Youth Development Hub #AFYDI, on Monday 24th & 31st July, all are welcome.

The annual All Ireland Junior Championships run in the same format designed to attract newcomers to competitive angling whilst recognising the talents of our youths already practising our sport will take place in Killeshandra, Co. Cavan on Saturday 1st September.  To book in contact Sean Ward on 086 811 5526