Ireland has a new world cup trout fly angling champion. David Corcoran from Kilconly, Tuam, Co Galway, took the coveted title with a convincing win following a protracted five-day championship fishing out from Cushlough Bay on Lough Mask in Co Mayo.
Now in its 59th year, the world cup has withstood the test of time and is regarded as the premier fly angling event in the northern hemisphere, and is often referred to as the “Rolls-Royce” of wild brown fishing competitions.
For the first time since its inception in 1953, finals day was postponed due to adverse weather and rescheduled for last weekend. With safety to the forefront, this proved a wise decision accepted fully by finalists and boatmen.
Fishing on Mask up to world cup time was outstanding and, in my opinion, head and shoulders above all lakes in Ireland. As one seasoned local angler put it: “It’s the best fishing we’ve had for 10 years.”
David managed five trout on finals day for 2.6kg (5.7lb) having qualified with four fish for second position on his qualifying day. Success was all the more enjoyable as 10 years had elapsed since last competing. “I was off the fishing scene helping out with my young family,” he said.
With five fish, he also brought into play the rule whereby only four fish are allowed to be despatched. Fifth and subsequent fish must be measured and verified by boatman and fishing partner, and returned alive. An estimate of weight is taken against the length and joins forces with the weight of four weighed fish.
At the prizegiving, David said: “I really didn’t expect to be up here today. I would like to thank my dad Paul for encouraging me back into the sport. Also my gillie, Terry McGovern, who brought me to all the right places and netted when I needed him. I’ve had two super days and I look forward to plenty more days on the lake with my new boat.”
For his efforts, he was presented with a 19’ Anglers’ Fancy lake boat; 15hp Yamaha engine, sponsored by RS Marine and world cup committee; Loomis 10’ #6 fly rod; watch, sponsored by Murphy Newsagents and the World Perpetual Cup.
Spare a thought for junior angler Gerard McLoughlin from Kells, Co Meath, who turned in a masterful performance on his qualifying day to earn second place with five fish for 2.5kg (5.5lb).
Unfortunately, the rescheduled finals day clashed with his participation in Ireland’s youth fly fishing team in the world championship in Colorado, USA, forcing him to miss the Mask final. As a gesture, the world cup committee presented him with a free entry to next year’s competition.
Key to economy
The world cup is very important to the local economy, bringing in hundreds of anglers from home and abroad. This year over 500 took part. Congratulations are extended to the committee for their hard work, time and energy in organising this magnificent championship. Well done.
On Sunday last, I joined the Partry Angling Club at the Lough Inn for their 25th Anniversary Pairs Competition. Proceeds from the event have, to date, exceeded €60,000, all of which goes towards in-stream development with assistance from Inland Fisheries Ireland.
In difficult conditions with little wind and bright sunshine, the 157 competitors could choose Carra or Mask and, in contrast to recent years, most chose Mask on this occasion.
This proved a correct decision, as most, including the winning duo of David Bohanna from Carlow and Shay Cash from Roseberry, Newbridge, brought in the winning bag of four trout for 3.5kg (7.74lb), on dries (sedges and daddies), fishing Ballydoyle Rocks.
Results: 1, D Bohanna/S Cash, four fish, 3.5kg; 2, M and K Feerick, 3f, 2.4kg; 3, E Stagg/J Conroy (Carra), 3f, 2.1kg. Heaviest fish: H Marshall/R Massey, 1.1kg.
At Straid Fishery in Co Antrim, 21 anglers took part in the Jackie Child Memorial competition for the First Cast (NI) organisation. The evening event saw 86 trout caught and released including 11 for the winner, Des McCullagh.
The organisation was set up three years ago and works with young people and families who have experienced degrees of vulnerability or social exclusion.
angling@irishtimes.com
