Corkagh Park hosts flycasting event for youngsters
9 March 2011
Corkagh Park hosts flycasting event for youngsters
The Dublin Angling Initiative organised a flycasting event at Corkagh Park in Clondalkin on Saturday 5th March with the aim of introducing young people to the art of flyfishing. More than 100 people were in attendance at this event which included newcomers and novices to the art of flyfishing, volunteers, youth workers from the Greater Dublin area.
The purpose of the event was to introduce young people to fly fishing and to help raise the profile of the wonderful angling resource at Corkagh Park. Top flycaster Paddy McDonnell (APGAI Ireland and USA) gave wonderful demonstrations aimed at the novice and he interacted with his audience at every stage. Glenda Powell and Eamon Conway (both APGAI instructors) travelled to the event to give their support to Paddy and all gave their time free of charge. Up to 30 volunteers assisted including many Irish international fly anglers including Noel Shiels and Gerry Heaslip.
Imelda Kennedy, 15, lands her first rainbow trout on the fly at Corkagh Park Fishery
Brian Begley, Managing Director of Corkagh Park welcomed participants to the event and Des Chew from the Dublin Angling Initiative outlined the order of events for the day. This was followed by a series of casting demonstrations by Paddy McDonnell and practice by each young person. After a couple of hours learning how to cast a fly line with many progressing to even shooting some line, all participants put their newly learned skills to good use and proceeded to flyfish for some fine rainbow trout at Corkagh Park fishery.
The fishery looked fantastic and the trout fought like demons when hooked. Within minutes landing nets were being called for, the majority of young people experiencing catching a trout on the fly for the first time. All fish were released and a great day was had by all participants.
In a closing speech Ms. Josie Mahon, Inspector, Inland Fisheries Ireland thanked all who made the event possible: I would like to thank Corkagh Park for the wonderful venue they have provided here today, in particular Paul Newell. The volunteers who have come from far and wide to help these young people and top flycasters Paddy McDonnell, Glenda Powell and Eamon Conway who have so freely given their time, knowledge and skills here today. Finally to all the young people for participating in this fantastic event I hope this event has provided you with first steps to continue the wonderful hobby of flyfishing’.
The event was organised by Des Chew and Josie Mahon of the Dublin Angling Initiative in conjunction with the management team of the Corkagh park fishery. Corkagh Park fishery is a splendid fishery which facilitates fishing all year round. The fly lake has rainbow trout to 20lb weight and access for all. There is also a coarse lake which has carp to specimen weight. Facilities at the lake include coffee shop, refreshments and fishing tackle
ENDS
Media enquiries
Josie Mahon,
Inland Fisheries Ireland,
15A Main Street,
Blackrock, Co. Dublin,
Tel: 01 278 7022 / 087 6538202, email: josie.mahon@fisheriesireland.ie
Website: www.fishinginireland.info
Notes to Editor
Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. IFI will promote, support, facilitate and advise the Minister on the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling and develop and advise the Minister on policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling.
