Angling Notes: RNLI calls for public support to help raise vital funds

Frequently, the RNLI answers mayday calls, but this May they need your help. The charity is calling on the people of Achill and its diaspora, to support the crew's Mayday Mile to help raise vital funds.

The fundraiser will see volunteers rowing one mile from their lifeboat station in a flotilla including kayaks, currach and watercraft commonly seen in the waters around Achill Island.

Eilish Power, Achill Island press officer, said: "Mayday is our call for help, as we rely on the generosity of the public to support events like the Mayday Mile. Training, kit, stations, fuel – these are just some of the things we need to save lives."

The fundraiser begins on Sunday, May 1st and will run for the month in Mayo. Donations can be made at www.royalnationallifeboatinstitution.enthuse.com/pf/eilish-power or the station's Facebook page.

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Feeder Festival

Galway angler Cathal Hughes (Daiwa) won the O'Callaghan's Feeder Festival with 69.120kg, followed by Leitrim's junior international Charlie Richards on 63.420kg. Great fishing from Inniscarra Lake where match sections included the Greenway, Garden Centre and Graveyard producing an average weight of more than 36kg for the 40 anglers.

The three-day feeder festival is run by Inniscarra Lake Tourism Development Ltd, National Course Fishing Federation Ireland (NCFFI) and sponsored by O'Callaghan's Bar and Guesthouse in Coachford, Co Cork.

Canal Bianco

The FIPSed World Clubs' Feeder Championships hosted 43 of the world's best angling clubs on the Canal Bianco in Loreo, Italy, earlier this month.

Following a hard-fought two-day competition, JWP Waterservice of the Netherlands held on to their title followed by Team Lenza Tubertini of Italy, and Team ASV Austria settled for bronze position.

Representing Ireland, the Erne Anglers AC from Enniskillen Co Fermanagh got off to a good start on day one, finishing in 18th position. The team consisted of Tony Green, Jack Tisdall, Vincent Walsh, Mark Theedom and John O'Doherty.

Ireland’s second day performance fell short of expectations, finishing in 38th position, leading to a 33rd placing overall.

Given these difficult times, it was a brave decision to travel and formed the first representation overseas of Team Ireland since the pandemic.

Team Ireland

International feeder team manager, Brenton Sweeney invites interest from those who wish to apply for selection on Team Ireland for the Feeder Championship to take place in Belgium on 8th/9th October, 2022.

Based on the interest received a decision will also be made whether to enter a team at the masters in Spain on 24th/25th September, 2022.

As members of FIPSed, the NCFFI can enter teams at a number of feeder events including the nations, masters (over 55’s) and club championships.

To express an interest, visit ncffi.ie. Closing date is May 1st 2022.

Ferox trout

Regular visitor to the western lakes Jorg Kulhmann from Cologne in Germany, caught a magnificent ferox trout of 76cm (about 10lb) on Lough Mask last week. The fish was caught in the Gortmore area while trolling and following some quick photographs safely returned to the water.

Lough Mask

The European Cup Trout Fly Fishing Championships will be held on Lough Mask on Sunday, May 22nd. Entry, by invitation only, is based on the heaviest fish with a minimum size limit of 15 inches.

Epoxy Buzzer or Buzzer Nymph fishing are not allowed. Entry fee of €100 includes a selection of magnificent prizes and evening meal.

Enquiries, in the first instance, to Liam Conroy, Tourmakeady, Co Mayo. Tel: 087-225 2078.

If you have an angling story to share, please contact angling@irishtimes.com.