SportAngling Notes

Angling Notes: a Celtic nations clash in the Albert Basin

Team Ireland wins the day in Newry, and then wins day two too

Ireland’s ‘A’ team, winners of the Celtic Home Nations Competition on the Newry Canal
Ireland’s ‘A’ team, winners of the Celtic Home Nations Competition on the Newry Canal
Derek Evans
Thu Oct 26 2023 - 09:59

The traditional angling championship between Celtic home nations was staged on the coal yard match stretch, an area developed for coarse angling at the Albert Basin of the Newry Canal.

In support of new talent the competition provided the opportunity to experience team fishing to international rules. Ireland’s under-18s shone against the seniors with top angling from female anglers Deimante Karaliunaite and Mary Tigwell.

As the roach moved along the sections on day one, fishing was excellent with catches of roach averaging 5kg per angler. Team Ireland ‘A’ won the day with 11.5 points, followed closely by Team Scotland ‘Blue’ 13 points, and Ireland ‘B’ and Scotland ‘White’ both with 14 points.

Day two started with the first frost of the season and bright sunshine. It was a better day for Team Wales and ‘Red’ team finished with 11 points for a total 26 points, taking second position from Team Scotland ‘Blue’ but not enough to beat the excellent performance from Ireland ‘A’ Team.

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‘A’ players Johnny Bailey, Phil Hartin, Caolan King and Robbie Smithers reached 8.5 points for an overall 20 points to win the title!

Individually Phil Hartin (Ireland) and Matt Powell (Wales) finished with a perfect 2-point score with the former winning on weight. Ireland’s Mary Tigwell took third position sufficient to win the match overall on day one with 9.125kg.

The best young angler went to John Collins of Monasterevin, Co Kildare, for his top score of eight points. Well done to John who won a £100 (€113) voucher awarded by Newry BID in recognition of his efforts.

Hon. President of NCFFI, Oliver McGauley conveyed his thanks to sponsors and Newry Mourne and Down District Council for their continued support, to Vincent Walsh for making the event happen and Aaron Hutchman and Sean Ward for their assistance.

The third prosecution

Inland Fisheries Ireland has secured a prosecution against Uisce Éireann for pollution of the Ballinagh River in Cavan in which 160 fish died. Sample results near the wastewater treatment plant showed high levels of ammonia – 32 times greater than expected in good salmon or trout waters.

This was the third prosecution against Uisce Éireann at this plant since 2015.

A fine of €4,000 plus costs and expenses of €3,079 was imposed at a hearing at Cavan District Court on October 6th 2023.

Fishery officers were alerted to the fish kill on July 19th, 2022. An investigation was carried out immediately and samples taken for analysis. The results indicated the pollution source was direct discharge from an effluent pipe at Uisce Éireann’s wastewater treatment plant at Ballinagh.

The conviction was secured under Section 171 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 – legislation regarding protection of fishing waters from harmful pollutants.

Dr Milton Matthews, director of north-western district, said: “Approximately 160 fish, predominantly brown trout, perished and that number also included some stickleback and minnow.

“High levels of ammonia in a watercourse are toxic for fish. Fish kill events such as these are extreme ecological events. We welcome further engagement with Uisce Éireann. This will ensure that regular inspections of wastewater facilities and discharge points are conducted to minimise the risk of such pollution events reoccurring.”

Pike Classic

The popular Erne Pike Classic event took place on Lough Erne in Co Fermanagh. The competition in search of big pike showcased a magnificent stamp of fish. With record entries, the bank event was a sell-out of 117 competitors, with more than 100 boats participating over two days.

This was a catch-and-release event with fish weighed promptly by stewards at various locations close to the fishing.

Alwyn Johnston bank winner with his pike of 24lb 10oz on the River Erne
Alwyn Johnston bank winner with his pike of 24lb 10oz on the River Erne

Bank winner: Alwyn Johnston, 24lb 10oz. The top 12 shared a prize pot of £3,750 which included £1,000 for the winning fish. Boat winner: Damien Maguire, 27lb 6oz. £4,500 was paid out to the top three with pay outs down to 23rd position.

The competition is organised by Erne Anglers (a member of NCFFI) and DAERA Inland Fisheries, sponsored by Fermanagh Omagh District Council.

Damien Maguire, boat winner with his pike of 27lb 6oz also from the River Erne
Damien Maguire, boat winner with his pike of 27lb 6oz also from the River Erne

Next up for Erne is the second round of qualifiers to select a team to represent Ireland at the 2024 world championships.

Interested participants can book in at ncffi.ie for the two-day competition on 21/22 October, launching from Watermill Fishing Lodge on Upper Lough Erne. Location for the championships is currently under review as the federation seek sponsors.

The first of four qualifiers to determine who goes through to the final was held at Annamoe Trout Fishery in Co Wicklow, last weekend. T McGratten, D Doyle, T Finn, S McGrane and S Byrne, took the top five positions.

Spare a thought for Maria Dunne who finished in eighth position. Two of her fish jumped back into the water before measuring and another was lost at the net.

If you have an angling story to share, please send to me at angling@irishtimes.com