Sport

Angling Notes: Inland Fisheries Ireland announce funding for 38 projects

The programme received proposals from community groups, clubs, associations and other bodies

Tommy O’Loughlin, winner of the Comfort for Chemo charity competition, with event organiser Daniel ‘Dinger’ Murphy. The competition was held on Lough Lein in Killarney, Co Kerry.

Derek Evans
Mon Sep 13 2021 - 00:00

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has announced funding for 38 projects under its annual sponsorship programme which supports novice anglers and development of sustainable angling tourism in Ireland.

According to a recent survey by Ipsos MRBI, over 327,000 adults in Ireland consider themselves an angler. Now, more than ever, people are discovering the positive effects angling has on mental health and wellbeing.

A second survey by Amárach Research, concluded that 18 per cent of adults who never fished before, said they are “likely” to try angling in the future.

The programme received proposals from community groups, clubs, associations and other bodies earlier in the year and €17,450 has now been allocated to these projects, which include:

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– A fishing programme to promote mental health (North Louth): The HSE adult mental health services in Dundalk together with Ladywell Angling Club, are developing a fishing programme to promote mental health and wellbeing.

– Introduction to fly-fishing for women (Limerick): The Irish Ladies Fly-Fishing Association and Trout Angling Federation of Ireland are hosting a one-day introduction to fly-fishing, aimed specifically for women. The course will be held on Bleach Lough in Limerick.

– All Ireland Junior U16 and U21 Boat Competition (Donegal): The Irish Federation of Sea Anglers recently hosted a boat angling competition for the All-Ireland Junior and Under 21s on Lough Swilly in Donegal.

– ‘Let’s Start Fishing’ (Galway): Connacht Predator Anglers and National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland are hosting a novice day event on Lough Corrib in Galway, to introduce women and young people to the basics of angling.

Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at IFI, said: “These 38 projects and initiatives will create a greater awareness of Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources and the importance of conserving and protecting these precious resources.”

Serious fish kill on the Glore River in Mayo
A serious fish kill has occurred on the Glore River in Kiltimagh, Co Mayo. Fisheries staff have taken water and fish samples in what is estimated to have resulted in excess of 500 young salmon and trout mortalities.

The Glore River in Co Mayo, subject of a major fish kill of approximately 500 young salmon and trout. Photograph: Inland Fisheries Ireland.

The Glore is an important spawning river for trout and salmon within the Moy catchment area. Investigations are ongoing.

To report fish kills, call the confidential number 1890 34 74 24 (open 24 hours).

Comfort for Chemo charity event in Killarney
A charity fly fishing competition held last weekend on Lough Lein in Killarney, Co Kerry in aid of the Comfort for Chemo fund, raised a substantial sum of money from anglers' contributions and private donations.

The mission of the fund is to raise €5 million to build and equip a purpose-built chemotherapy unit for the people of Kerry.

Competition result: 1, Tommy O’Loughlin; 2, Phil Dewey; 3, Graham Landy. Thanks was expressed to Daniel ‘Dinger’ Murphy for organising the event.

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

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