The quality of the wild brown trout stocks in our rivers is the major factor of attraction to visiting anglers
The development and preservation of our natural resources has been a key strategy for IRD Duhallow since its inception. In fact, the company was initially set up by a group of local businessmen, with a keen interest in fishing, with a view to accessing European Funds to develop local rivers. LEADER funds have facilitated the development of many of our rivers over the past 20 years, and the onset of the LEADER 07-13 programme brought with it the opportunity to build on this work by setting up an Angling Centre of Excellence in Duhallow.
Working closely with Kanturk Trout Anglers, Tom Ankettell was appointed angling animator in order to develop the Angling Centre of Excellence. Through consultation with Duhallow angling groups, a plan was drawn up to support the river and development groups in waterway management, conservation, pollution elimination and to move towards the preservation and protection of the water as a source of life. The successful development of a centre of excellence is largely dependent on the quality and quantity of fishing. The quality of the wild brown trout stocks in our rivers is the major factor of attraction to visiting anglers, so we must ensure that we continue to protect this very valuable natural resource. However, there are other very important contributing factors for a successful angling centre such as the physical access, infrastructure, proximity to tackle shops, angling guides, boat hire, angler friendly accommodation and social amenities which need to be supported and developed. Through collaboration of key stakeholders in the region, the support of the RSS and Tús workers, the infrastructure and access issues are being managed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. The services are being developed locally through LEADER funding.
Training supports have been initiated to provide advanced training for coaches, coaching for children and young people. We have also set up a coaching programme for adults and children which involves the use of top class international anglers and coaches.
Most importantly, the majority of children from all social backgrounds can enjoy angling and research shows that learning is improved by making learning fun. During August 2012 the angling centre held its first angling summer camp for children and the interest in this camp far exceeded our expectations. Over the course of the three-day camps the children learned about water safety, fishing tackle assembly, using a range of angling equipment, bait identification, and the countryside. The camp also includes riverside wildlife talks by some of the IRD Duhallow Life project team, who has a great working relationship with the angling centre. Easter and Summer Camps are now held annually.
During the winter months we hold regular fly dressing classes, which are well attended, by both children and adults alike. This skill also provides participants with an understanding of the close links between the natural aquatic insects and the fish. At this stage we have coached over 40 children and 37 adults. One of our first summer camp participants Eoin Curtin represented Ireland in the world youths fly-fishing championships, which took place in Poland in July 2014. The Irish youth’s team was managed by Michael Twohig of Kanturk Trout Anglers, who has been instrumental in the establishment of the angling centre of excellence.
We have in a very short period managed to attract a greater number of anglers to the region and this is reflected in the increased number of day tickets provided by local clubs in the past few seasons. In 2013 we had visitors from the USA, Canada, Tazmania, Netherlands, Belgium, England, Germany, France and from the domestic market. Some of these visitors are repeat visitors which reflects the quality of our fishing. We are confident that this trend will continue and we will see a greater number of anglers continuing to visit the region over the next number of years.
The Duhallow Angling Centre of Excellence is a one stop shop for visiting anglers to the Duhallow region, situated in Northwest Cork in Southern Ireland. We provide all you need for a great angling experience in Ireland.
- Day tickets for all Duhallow rivers
- Up to the minute local angling information.
- Professional guides
- Coaching for groups & individuals.
- Flydressing classes
- Fishing tackle for hire
For more information on the Duhallow Angling Centre of Excellent please contact 086-0827484 or e-mail on anglingduhallow@gmail.com
