Angling Notes/Derek Evans: Patrick Sweeney emerged a surprise winner of last weekend's Leinster (national) qualifier fly-fishing championships on Lough Owel, Mullingar, Co Westmeath. Competing against a strong field of 120 anglers, Sweeney, from the Broadmeadows club in Swords, Co Dublin brought in the bag limit of six fish to clinch the prestigious title.
Calm conditions prevailed in the morning, but as the day progressed a good breeze got up and the fish responded accordingly, resulting in 71 anglers landing 142 fish, for a weight of almost 200lb.
The competition was held under the auspices of the Irish Trout Fly Fishing Association (ITFFA) and the first 40 anglers go forward to the National Fly-Fishing Championships next spring. The first 10 from this competition will represent Ireland at the Home Internationals in 2004.
"It was my first major competition. The Clan Chief Carrowmore salmon fly and the 3.2lb wild trout clinched the title," said Sweeney, who was delighted.
Results: First: P. Sweeney (Broadmeadows), 8.7lb; Second: M. McCormack (Brosna), 7.14lb; Third: M. McGorian (Silver Stream), 6. 54lb.
- David Robinson, proprietor of Rathbeggan Lakes, Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, has introduced a special ticket for those wishing to try their hand at fly-fishing. For €15, this introductory offer includes rod rental and a two-hour catch-and-release stint.
- The Shannonside Angling & Boat Show takes place at the University of Limerick next weekend, October 11th and 12th. Further information from Pat Burns, tel: 01-244 8709.
- Dublin Fruit Market annual fishing weekend competition to Oughterard, Lough Corrib. Results: First (P. Markey Trophy): Stephen O'Reilly; Second (Finbar Deery Trophy): Lar O'Reilly; Third (Jim Gunning Trophy): Doni Lister.