LOUGH Conn and Cullin Anglers’ Association celebrated its 50th anniversary in fine style last weekend with a two-day trout fly-fishing competition out from Gortnor Abbey Pier, Crossmolina, Co Mayo.
The mood was very much upbeat as 80 anglers gathered each day alongside the 18th-century abbey to celebrate the club’s landmark occasion and to apply their skills on this magnificent 14,000-acre lough.
There was something magical at the start of the fishing as the 40 boats hovered outside the harbour jockeying for position. On the stroke of 11 the “off” was signalled and the great surge forward began. A real sight to behold!
Conditions on the first day were difficult due to slack winds and sunshine. Mayfly were scarce, with sporadic hatches and the odd “spent”. Fishing “dries” in Castlehill Bay alongside boating partner Michael Routledge from nearby Lahardane, we managed at least 10 small trout, some agonisingly close to the required 13 inches.
The second day presented an entirely different kettle of fish with blustery south-westerlies, plenty of cloud and some rain. Having attempted to reach the Massbrook area against a good swell with Gary Piggott, we settled instead for the nearer Abbey Bay and Flannery’s Bay with reasonable success.
As owner of the Ridgepool Tackle Shop in Ballina, Gary is the main sponsor of the competition. “Last year I came second with four good fish. I don’t bother with the prizes, I just enjoy the few days fishing and the fantastic camaraderie that surrounds the competition,” he said.
In the end it was a close finish with the top three anglers. However, retired schoolteacher Eddie Blanche from Mountmellick, Co Laois, edged in front with the heaviest bag and duly declared winner of the 19" Sheelin boat and Tolan and Traynor Perpetual Cup. His catch included heaviest fish over the two days of 1.4kg.
Eddie is no stranger to winning boats having topped the poll at the sea trout competition on Lough Currane, Waterville, Co Kerry, in 2011.
Over dinner in Hiney’s Restaurant, Crossmolina, club chairman Pádraic Traynor paid tribute to Francie White from Sligo who has fished the event since its inception in 1964. “In the early years it was a two-day competition, then three and even four days with almost 400 anglers. Today it has reverted to two days. Probably a sign of the times,” Francie said.
At the presentation of prizes, Pádraic thanked Orla Walsh (first year organising the event); Hiney’s for the enjoyable meals and the anglers for their support. “Without the backing of ye people, this event could not take place,” he said.
My stay with Paddy and Julie Cowman in Crossmolina was again top notch. Anglers intending to fish Conn can contact Shalom House at 096-31230.
Results: 1, E Blanche, 2 fish, 1.8kg; 2, J Binley, 3f, 1.75kg; 3, J McGahon, 3f, 1.68kg. Best club angler: N Shiels, 3f, 1.4kg.
England victorious
England emerged as clear winners in last weekend’s International Fly Fishing Association Spring Match on Lough Owel in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, with a grand total of 59 trout. Ireland were nearest rivals but considerably down the field on 32. The English team also claimed Best Basket with 10 fish by Phil Longstaff and heaviest trout of 3lb by James Atkinson.
Robert Reilly (Loughrea) led the Irish 14-man team to silver position with five trout and a respectable individual seventh position overall. Results: 1, England: 59 fish; 2, Ireland 32f; 3, Wales 33f; 4, Scotland 29f.
angling@irishtimes.com
