Sport

Angling notes: €30k sponsorship programme for 2022 announced

Inland Fisheries Ireland’s funding initiative targets beginners and young anglers

Callum Clark, 12, from Tulsk, Co Roscommon, receiving fishing gear from IFI fisheries officer Andy Burnett following his heroic water rescue of his grandfather at Lake Killina . Callum had lost some of his gear in the accident.

Derek Evans
Mon Dec 27 2021 - 06:00

DETAILS of the Sponsorship Programme for 2022 has been announced by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).

The €30,000 fund will have a particular focus on initiatives aimed at beginners and young anglers, and events that promote sustainable angling tourism. Angling clubs, groups and associations are invited to apply before the January 21st deadline.

More than 327,000 adults in Ireland consider themselves an angler (Ipsos/MRBI), while 18 per cent said they are ‘likely’ to try angling in the future (Amárach Research). The sponsorship programme is one of the main funding mechanisms used by IFI and in 2021 it awarded funding to 41 events.

Of those 41 events, the agency supported 10 national/international competitions and festivals. In addition, 28 coaching and juvenile outreach events received support, along with three public awareness events and angling-related initiatives.

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Eligible events for 2022 are: large international competitions held in Ireland, maximum €3,000 per event; novice angler events and training courses, maximum €500 per event/course; information initiatives to promote fisheries awareness, maximum €1,000 per event; juvenile and minority angling teams representing Ireland at international events both home and abroad, maximum €500 per team.

Launching the call, IFI’s Suzanne Campion, said: “As more people enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of being outdoors, we are seeing greater levels of interest in angling. We also have a unique opportunity through the programme to highlight the importance of biodiversity, conservation and sustainable angling.”

Applications for funding are now invited and the programme will remain open until Friday, January 21st, 2022. Meanwhile, applications for equipment, staff support and biosecurity assistance can be made throughout the year.

Information with regard to protocol procedure for applying can be found at fisheriesireland.ie.

A happy ending

Readers may recall a near fatal boating accident on Killina Lake, near Tulsk in Roscommon last September in which 11-year-old Callum Clark rescued his grandfather after a freak gust of wind capsized their boat. The report appeared in the Roscommon Herald.

The sixth-class pupil at Tulsk National School held on to his grandfather, Seán, who was struggling for breath in the cold and deep water.

Luckily, both had their lifejackets on and with the aid of a boat plank, the youngster managed to bring his grandfather safely to the shore.

The two keen anglers were out fishing for pike and perch at the time and their line had got stuck in reeds shortly before the freak gust of wind.

Following an overnight stay in hospital, grandad was released having made a good recovery, a little shaken

IFI heard that Callum lost some of his fishing gear in the accident. So, in time for his 12th birthday, fisheries officer Andy Burnett visited Callum to present him with some new fishing gear consisting of a new rod, reel and terminal tackle, plus a fisheries goody bag.

Game on

The game angling season gets underway on Saturday, January 1st, on a limited number of river and lake fisheries. Lough Gill (Sligo), Carrowmore Lake (Mayo) and the Drowes River (Donegal/Leitrim) continue their early start and, for the ninth successive year, the Lower Liffey remains on a catch-and-release basis.

Reporting lawbreakers

To help protect Ireland’s rivers, lakes and coastlines, a new number has been established to report illegal fishing, water pollution or invasive species. The new confidential number is 0818 34 74 24. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Bliss in the Bahamas

Guests at Delphi Club in Abaco in the Bahamas are been treated to some incredible fishing so far this season. Fishing has been as good as ever, with great opportunities at large numbers of bonefish and frequent permit shots.

Taking full advantage of the diverse fishing program, guests have been exploring all that southern Abaco has to offer, from water tailing bones in the marls to permit or sting-rays on the ocean side.

Covid cases remain next to zero and the new 24-hour rapid testing rule is easily managed on Delphi Club premises.

There is a small window of dates still available in January and February. Get in touch now to reserve space. The mailing address is: The Delphi Club, PO Box AB20006, Marsh Harbour, Abaco AB-20006, Bahamas.

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

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