The Irish senior men’s team are in action this week at the World Shore Angling Championship, held in Sicily. Today is the third competition day, and things are going well for the Irish team, who lie in second place at the halfway stage, with today and tomorrow’s competitions set to decide the medals. Over 100 of the world’s top shore anglers are competing, with 21 countries represented. Ireland has an excellent record at the championships, but they are facing stiff competition from teams much more familiar with the conditions and fishing in the Mediterranean.

The team consists of Mike Curtin (Galway Bay) David Farrelly (South Shore), Darren Ryan (Asst.Manager), Timmy O’Sullivan (Galway Bay), JP Molloy (West Cork & District), Sean Carley (Menapia),  Joe Carley (Manager) and Des Farrelly (Southshore).  The team is managed by Joe Carley, assisted by Darren Ryan and preparation was mentored by John O’Brien.

Competition

Opening day was tough fishing, with lots of undersize fish for the team, however JP Molloy finished 12th overall, and the other members of the team all scored reasonably well to leave them lying in 7th.

JP Molloy having a fish measured by stewards
Tim O’Sullivan busy at his bait station

Day 2 saw a faqntastic performance from Des Farrelly, finishing in second place, and the team took third on the day, moving them up to second overall, behind leaders Portugal.

With two days to go, we wish Team Ireland best of luck, and we’ll be reporting on their results next week. Win or lose, at least they’re enjoying better weather than we are!

Darren Ryan and David Farrelly