This article is from page 67 of the 2011-06-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 67 JPG
ANGLERS FROM all over the county descended on Fanore last week for the 50th anniversary of the Lisdoonvarna Fanore Sea Angling Club. The event, which was hosted by O’Donohue’s Pub brought together some of the clubs newest and oldest members and also included a collection of awards won by Clare anglers over the last five decades.
The event also included a photographic history of the club and also served as an open day to attract new members to sea angling.
Speaking at the event club secretary, James Linnane, remembers some of the highlights for the club over the years – especially the success of some of the juvenile members.
“Four years ago Paul Norton from Ruan represented the Club in the Munster Juvenile championship, although not winning any medals on that occasion he was really keen to compete again the following year, this time he had real success not only did he qualify for Munster to compete in the Interprovincials but he made the Irish team to compete in Wales and the team came in second on that occasion – major achievement for Paul and the Club,” he said.
“Watching from the sidelines were young Stephen Birney, Cian Egan O’Brien, Sean Geraghty, Brandon Power and Joseph Birney, all who have competed in the Munster Juvenile Championships over the last three years.
“Last February Joseph Birney succeeded in making the Irish Team and will compete for Ireland in the home Internationals next month. Congratulations to him and we wish him well. These Juveniles are the future of our Club and are real role models for any juveniles out there who would like to get involved.”
James also pointed to the quality of the local angling – saying that it is amongst the best in the world.
“Here in north Clare we have some of the best sea angling coastline of anywhere in Europe – it is absolutely essential that we protect and safeguard this,” he said.
“Under no circumstances should we allow pollution, indiscriminate dumping of waste or over commercialised or illegal fishing to take this away from us. We can all see for ourselves the benefits that the promoting of Sea Angling has done for this area. We have a duty to the founder members of this Club and those not members of any club but simply walked the shore for their own pleasure that we leave area in as good or better condition than was handed to us.”
Meanwhile, Inagh and District Angling Club are holding a fishing competition this Sunday at Clonmacken Lake, Inagh. The competition starts at 2pm and will run until 6. Prizes will be awarded for Senior and Juvenile categories. Music and refreshments will be available at Dillon’s Bar and Restaurant after the competition where the Senior prizes will be presented. All are welcome.