Students from St Mary's Senior School, Dunmanway, Co Cork, are the 2015 national winners of the Something Fishy competition, sponsored by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).
The fifth- and sixth-class students received the award at the West Cork Education Centre and €700 prize for their project, The Wonderful Water Kids Show, a digital and artistic interpretation presented through a video format.
School principal Mairéad Twohig said: “I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of the students, who have demonstrated their excellent understanding of water and its huge importance in the world.”
IFI chief executive Ciarán Byrne added: “IFI is committed to this programme, which I hope ignites an interest in all things fish, fishing and fish habitat.”
Schools interested in the 2015-16 programme should contact their local education centre for details. A comprehensive set of resources is also available on somethingfishy.ie. View the winning entry at somethingfishy.ie/blog.html.
Salmon trust director
Atlantic Salmon Trust is seeking applications for the position of executive director.
Candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for strategic planning, excellent communication skills across all levels, be a problem solver with an entrepreneurial spirit and integrity and be capable of fundraising to a high level and have strong environmental credentials.
The trust’s work covers the salmon’s life cycle in both freshwater and seawater environments throughout the North Atlantic region. Priorities include minimising commercial exploitation by mixed-stock netting and damage caused by salmon aquaculture.
Apply by email with a covering letter and CV to director@atlanticsalmontrust.org. Closing date is Saturday, November 14th.
Coarse championship
The first home international coarse championship to be held in Newry, Co Down, since 1982 took place recently on the O’Rourke stretch of the Newry canal.
In a new format, the event saw seven-man teams, including former world champions Alan Scotthorne and Will Raison, compete alongside under-25 teams, bringing a combination of youth and experience.
Pole tactics saw an average of 5kg per angler on day one. However, overnight rain kept weights lower for day two but still plenty of small roach and perch were caught, with the occasional bonus hybrid.
The competition was scored on a points system. Superb fishing from favourites Drennan Team England saw them take home the title with nine out of 14 section wins.
The O'Rourke's Coalyard middle bank venue provided a superb setting in this city-centre location. This opinion was endorsed by Team England manager Mark Addy: "The Newry canal proved to be one of the best venues fished for an international event."
With further development to come, the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland – working with the Loughs Agency; and Newry, Mourne & Down District Council – expects to attract more such events, bringing a boost to angling tourism to the area.
Results: 1, England; 2, Scotland; 3, Ireland; 4, Wales.
Winter league heats
The first of four winter league heats at Annamoe Trout Fisheries in Co Wicklow resulted in 101 trout landed and recorded by 18 anglers using sinking and intermediate lines on various wet fly patterns.
Results: 1, P Cvitel, 10 fish, 433cm; 2, S McGrane, 9f, 390cm; 3, N Shields, 8f, 342cm. Third heat is scheduled for Saturday, November 14th. The series is supported by Southside Angling Centre.
Angling show
Don't forget to visit the Fly Fair and Angling Show in the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill, this weekend with fly-casting celebrities Charles Jardine, Hywel Morgan, Glenda Powell and Peter O'Reilly, and spey casting legends Scott Mackenzie, Gary Scott, Bas de Bruin and Sepp Fuchs.
Experts from Inland Fisheries Ireland, Tom "Doc" Sullivan, Prof Ken Whelan and Fissta will host talks on angling topics, while the tackle trade will be represented with a huge range of trade stands.
