The weather was perfect, plenty of fish, boundless enthusiasm and joy ensured that the 15 children and young people (and their grown ups) had a great day out last Sunday. We gathered at the Laois Angling Centre at 11am, fished for a couple of hours, followed by lunch and, most importantly, the prize giving, wrapping up by 3pm.

The competitors ranged in age from twins Sam and Jack who are just 3 years old up to 17 years.

Barbless flies were the preferred method to hook a fish with many of our younger competitors using the bubble and fly with the others preferring a fly rod, and some catching fish this way for the first time!

The competitors were: Sam and Jack, Innes, sisters Caragh and Leah; Evie; siblings Fardeen, Fabiana and Farhad; sisters Kieva and Robyn and, finally, brothers Evan, Rhys, Ross and Caelan

Below is a sample of pictures from the day.

IFI’s Myles Kelly was on hand to offer advice, coaching and support to all our anglers, demonstrating correct fish handling, catch and release, while minimising impact on the fish. We are grateful to Myles for being there and to IFI for providing snoods and line snips which went into the goodie bags for each competitor.

Thanks also is due to Dave McBride of Southside Angling who helped us with the prizes. And to Enda and John of Laois Angling Centre who were gracious hosts and have a great facility there in Co. Laois, well stocked and managed, and which helped ensure that everyone connected with fish on the day. Thanks also to Nessa and Evie who helped on the day and put the goody bags and lunches together for the event.