Opportunity for Women to be introduced to Flyfishing
An exciting opportunity, for women interested in learning about flyfishing, will be happening at the Southern County Fishing Resort near Garryhill on Sunday 13th July 2025.
The event has been organised by the Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association (ILFA). It begins at 11am and will include a short indoor session followed by 4 hours of casting instruction and practice outside.
The course is aimed at beginners or novice anglers aged over 18 and all equipment will be provided.
No experience is necessary but booking is essential. Please visit www.irishladiesflyfishing.com for a booking form, or email the PRO Maddy Kelly [email protected]
Women will be travelling from all over Ireland to take part and full joining instructions will be sent to those who book.
Dan O’Neill from Killkenny who is an APGAI Qualified Fly-Casting Instructor will be the lead instructor. He will be assisted by Maddy Kelly from Co Down who is the current President of the International Ladies Flyfishing Association representing Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.
Anne Kerrin, Chair of the Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association said,
‘This is an amazing opportunity for women to learn about flyfishing. The benefits of angling have been known for a long time but it’s been a well kept secret. To be outdoors with nature surrounding you, in beautiful places, really gives a boost to your health and well-being.
And most times it doesn’t matter if you catch a fish or not. The fish is a bonus. It’s also great exercise. Scrambling 5 miles up along a river bank and wading really works the inner core. I hope that this encourages women to think about trying out angling. All equipment will be provided and participants just need to wear warm clothes and to bring waterproofs.’
Maddy Kelly from Co Down, PRO for the ILFA and International President said,
‘This will be my first time visiting the Southern County Fishing Resort and it’s also the first time for me to fish in Co Carlow. I’m very much looking forward to it. I’ve been flyfishing for nearly 40 years and have fished in nearly every county in Ireland so I’ll be able to tick Co. Carlow off my list. I’m hoping that there’ll be a good response from women in Munster for this introductory day’
The Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association is a national organisation that encourages women to take up flyfishing and it runs a league of 4 trials annually to select a team to represent Ireland at the Ladies International Flyfishing Championships.
For more information about the Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association or to take part in this event please email Maddy Kelly PRO at [email protected]
There are other events throughout Ireland for women who wish to learn to flyfish including a number at Straid Fishery in Co Antrim beginning on Sunday 6th July. Information available from Maddy Kelly at [email protected]
