Bord Iascaigh Réigiúnach an Oirthir
Press Release 2nd February 2009
Salmon and trout anglers were in for a treat on Sunday 1st February at Islandbridge on the banks of the River Liffey. A casting clinic was organised by Dublin Angling Initiative and Southside Angling with the purpose of giving something back to anglers at a time when money is tight. The clinic was an opportunity for novices to receive free casting tuition from one of Ireland’s top flycasting instructors, Paddy McDonnell.
A bitter cold east wind did not deter the 25 participants who had booked their place at this event. This included youngsters who have previously attended Dublin Angling Initiative courses and more than 20 adults ranging from the novice to the more experienced caster. The clinic focused on techniques for the beginner as well as advanced casting techniques where experienced anglers were taught how to double haul, spey cast, snake roll and iron out any casting faults prior to the kick off of the salmon and trout season. The event was well supported by the Dublin Salmon anglers and it marked the day after the close of the short salmon fishing season on the River Liffey.
Feedback was very positive from all who attended this event. Vinny McConnell, a well known Dublin angler said ‘Paddy ironed out at least two of my casting faults which had been holding me back and I am now looking forward to casting with much more confidence this season’.
Inspector Josie Mahon from the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board presented Paddy with a token of everybody’s appreciation on the day. ‘I would like to especially thank the Dublin Salmon Anglers for their support, Southside Angling, UCD Rowing club, Des Chew of the Dublin Angling Initiative, all participants and Paddy McDonnell who has so freely given his time and expertise to the enthusiastic anglers here today’.
Paddy McDonnell of Z Spey is qualified in both double handed and single handed casting at APGAI level and FFF USA. He is one of Ireland’s most experienced game anglers having fished the River Moy in Co. Mayo and Western Loughs from childhood. He is a wonderful caster and demonstrates elegance and style as he throws a line, leader and fly across a river. This skill is complimented by his humility and his unique ability to teach the art and pass fly fishing on to future generations. He can be contacted at 087 4123235, email: bluecharm@eircom.net
Media enquiries: Josie Mahon, Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, 01 278 7022 / 087 6538202: email: josie.mahon@erfb.ie
The Dublin Angling Initiative was set up in 1995. Its principle aims are to promote, develop and improve angling in the Dublin and Greater Dublin area and is sponsored by the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board. During the summer months the main work of the initiative is taking young people from National and Secondary schools, summer projects and youth services throughout Dublin City Centre and its suburbs on fishing courses. Already thousands of young people have been introduced to the joys of sea, coarse and game angling at the venues that are accessible by bus and rail from Dublin City centre.
The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board is a statutory authority whose function is to conserve, develop, protect, manage and promote the inland fisheries and sea angling resources within its jurisdiction. The Region extends from the border in Northern Ireland to South of the Wexford coast and includes all catchments which enter the sea between these boundaries.
www.fishingireland.net