This article is from page 55 of the 2011-07-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 55 JPG
A YOUNG Clarecastle fisherman is celebrating today after helping Ireland to the silver medal in the Home Nations Angling Competition in Derry over the weekend.
Joseph Birney did his county and the Lisdoonvarna/Fanore Sea Angling Club proud by helping the Irish team to a very credible finish – loosing out to the eventual winners Wales by the last few fish caught of the last day of the competition.
This was the first time that Joseph has represented his country after a very successful year which saw him represent his club and province with distinction in a number of competitions.
“It has been a great year for me. To get on the Irish team you first have to be named as a master angler for your club, then you have to take on other anglers to get onto the Munster team and once you are there you have to fish off against 20 of Ireland best young angler, five from each provence, to make the national team,” he said.
“This competition only happens once a year and I was very happy to finish second and bring back the silver medal in my first time fishing for Ireland. It’s a great great feeling to be fishing for your county.
“I had a great time anglish this year and I will definitely be back trying to get onto the Munster and Ireland team again next year.”
Meanwhile, Lahinch angler john Keane was the top angler at this weekends Jim Blackwell memorial Competition in Blackhead. John took the overall competition with 132 points and also netted the biggest fish by catching a 11.2 kg conger eel.
Second place in the competition went to Seamus Hayes from Clarecastle with 82 points while Willie Hartley from Galway came third. The best juvenile award was won by Stephen Birney from Clarecastle.