At the end of a week of incredible fishing, full of twists and turns, Northern Ireland/Republic of Ireland pair, Philip Jackson and Cathal Hughes, retained their crown as Lakelands and Inland Waterways World Pairs Angling Champions.
Holding off a strong challenge from Preston Innovations England Feeder Team Internationals, Steve and Phil Ringer, the Irish duo slammed an amazing 47.920kg on the scales. Their last day performance capped a week where weights eclipsed the previous year.
Over the course of the week, there were twelve weights in excess of 30kg (66lbs), capped by Cathal Hughes’ 40.180 from peg 12 on the River section at Upper Lough Erne on Crom Estate on Wednesday.
Client Services Manager of Failte Ireland, Colm Breheny addressed the closing ceremony.
He gave thanks to the many people involved in organising and running the Lakelands and Inland Waterways World Pairs Angling Champs. With his soft manner and gentle whit, he had the audience stilled while he said, ‘we support several events each year and this is the biggest in angling; let’s hope we can keep it going.’
First time visitor to the World Pairs Angling Championships, Simon Fry of Garbolino UK, was very impressed by the stunning setting of the Lakelands region. He said, ‘I can’t get over how beautiful it is here. I wish I could fish in these kind of surroundings all the time.’
Preston Innovations England Feeder Team member Dean Barlow said, ‘this has been one of the best week’s fishing I’ve ever had.’
Combining rivers and lakes of the Erne system, the Shannon-Erne Waterway and the Shannon Navigation, the venues for the World Pairs Angling Championships are in some of the most ruggedly natural settings to be found in the Republic or the UK.
The Lakelands and Inland Waterways initiative is a collaboration co-chaired by Failte Ireland and Waterways Ireland, with cross-border membership from Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism, Northern Ireland Tourism Board and Tourism Ireland. Promoting the many activities that are carried out in the beautiful Lakelands region is the remit of the partnership, not only fishing, but other water-based activities, plus sightseeing and cultural interest.
Robin Morley, Sales and Marketing Director of Daiwa Sports gave an address in which he expressed thanks for the sponsorship that Lakelands and Inland Waterways put into the World Pairs event. By putting £8500 worth of tackle prizes and the Daiwa Cup into the individual event, the Scottish-based company continue to follow up on Robin’s pledge in 2012 to support the event for at least five years.
Robin, who had a very successful career as a match angler for Daiwa Dorking, acknowledged the standard of angling on display at the 2013 event. ‘It’s great for fishing in Ireland that anglers of this calibre are coming to fish the World Angling Pairs Championships. Everyone fishing, and myself on behalf of Daiwa Sports, want to thank Lakelands and Inland Waterways for the incredible sponsorship they are putting in to this event. Long may it continue.’
To answer the congratulations and thanks from the various dignitaries at the closing ceremony, Kevin Locke called on 1989 individual World Champion Tommy Pickering to address the audience on behalf of the anglers.
The presence of a large number of the competitors is down to Tommy’s promotion of the event on fisheries and matches in the UK and Europe. In his typical proud, patriotic way, he spoke at length about his feelings for the Lakelands and Inland Waterways World Pairs Championships.
‘It was good last year, this year it’s fantastic.
‘One of the biggest changes is in the strength of angler fishing. Every day, at my peg, I looked down the line of anglers and saw quality. We had two of the three best match anglers ever fishing this event in Bob Nudd and Kevin Ashurst.
‘Although it was a serious match, we had a great laugh every day. We met wonderful people in the towns and villages where we stayed.
‘The class of angler here this week is the true test and makes this event very special. Without Lakelands and Inland Waterways support, these anglers wouldn’t be here. Between them and Daiwa, one of the biggest tackle companies in the world, we anglers need to promote the event and spread the word about the welcome, the quality of sport and the standard of match that we have.’
Daiwa and Ringer Baits backed Steve Ringer was one of the big names drawn to fish the Lakelands and Inland Waterways World Pairs Angling Championships. With brother Phil as his partner, he came to take on some of the best match anglers in Europe on venues and in a country he had never fished before.
Unluckily, he fell just short of both pairs’ and individual wins, picking up second place in both.
Steve spoke about his visit. ‘It’s been fantastic. Phil and me have definitely learnt that the fishing here rewards anglers that work hard.
‘There have been just a couple of poor pegs, but still a good day’s fishing, with 10kg or more on offer at over 90% of the pegs. We never imagined the fishing would be so consistent.’
Weather
Day One, Monday 9th
Morning rain, turned warm and sunny, 18°-19°, light winds
Day Two, Tuesday 10th
Started bright, became overcast, 15°-16°, moderate breeze
Day Three, Wednesday 11th
Morning rain, cleared in afternoon, 17°-18°, moderate wind
Day Four, Thursday 12th
Misty morning, overcast skies gave heavy rain later, 17°-18°, strong winds in afternoon
Day Five, Friday 13th
Generally clear and bright, 18°-19°, light breezes
The weather over the winter and into this summer played a big part in the fabulous fishing. Even during the week of competition, the weather stayed quite mild for the time of year.
Many local people thought the sport has been much better this year thanks to a cold winter and warm, dry summer. Gabriel Owens, who volunteers for the Civil Defence team, spends time out in boats filming underwater. He has also guided anglers to the Lakelands region for more than twenty years, and had this to say.
‘The water clarity has lead to an explosion of roach/bream hybrids, which makes for consistent angling. The big bream are still in the lakes, but they tend to feed at night now.
‘The dry weather certainly made the fishing better than in 2012, when the rain kept water temperatures down. We can see fish moving all the time when we’re out on the lakes. A few more anglers coming here and throwing bait in would keep them feeding and growing and help those catches that we all want to see.’
Bio Control
Zebra mussels have been a problem in Ireland for some years now. It is believed they arrived in Lough Erne in the mid 1990s attached to a boat. The rise of canals in the late 19th century precipitated their spread.
They filter feed, and thus clean the water excessively. This leads to huge plant growth compared to previously. Not only is the increased weed a problem for anglers, the mussels themselves are notorious for snagging swimfeeders. The sharp-edged shells cut through line and the beds of mussels form a formidable barrier against twitching the feeder to induce a bite.
Zebra mussels are a native of Russia and breed prolifically. Even more of a worry is the arrival of a new bivalve called the Asian clam.
Inland Fisheries Ireland claims ‘it can feed from the sediments when food from the water column becomes scarce.’
Although Zebra mussels have led to large weed growth, they have not adversely affected the suspended food supplies for fish. The Asian clam, however presents the prospect of denying the microscopic food that hatchling and juvenile fish need.
Both DCAL and Inland Fisheries Ireland arranged for net dips to be present at every draw location. Anglers received a wrist band once they had dipped, and were only allowed to draw a peg on production of the day’s band.
Mark Williams’ Heart Attack
Arnold Donnelly and Seamus McDermott were the section stewards on hand at Kiltybarden Lake when angler Mark Williams had a heart attack on peg 2. They were observing the match from the Inland Fisheries Ireland pick-up, in the venue car park, when an angler ran up to them. He was speaking to ambulance control, but passed the phone over to Arnold, who could give directions.
‘I could see the angler was getting drowsy, so helped the ambulance despatch with the location of the lake and then went and put Mark in the recovery position. All the stewards at IFI are first-aid trained, so I knew I had to keep him conscious. I was also aware that he had probably had a heart attack. Within ten minutes, the paramedics had arrived and taken over.’
Local paramedic Patrick McGreevy and his partner Shane O’Gara arrived and took their place in the chain of events that saved Mark’s life.
Patrick said, ‘we arranged a medivac using the code STEMI (ST segment elevation myocardial infarction). It was clear to us that Mark was suffering a heart attack and he needed to be in hospital as soon as possible. We are taught that minutes save muscle. Basically, once the heart muscle is damaged by a blockage, there is no way to repair it. Shane is the senior medic of the two of us and he administered aspirin and anti-clotting agents to begin the process of clearing the clot.’
The paramedics then drove towards Carrick on Shannon, where they met the air ambulance and Mark was taken to Galway University hospital. Within two hours he had been fitted with two stents, had a major blood clot dispersed and was drinking a cup of tea in his bed.
Mark paid tribute to all those who played a part.
‘I’m now feeling fine. I was in good hands there; you can’t beat the Irish for hospitality. The stewards did a grand job helping with the medical services and a need to thank them for saving my life.’
Cheers rang around the closing ceremony when Mark walked in the room, accompanied by paramedic Patrick. Mark’s two close friends Stephen and Fiona Beeby were on hand to keep make sure he wasn’t overwhelmed by the occasion.
Mark finished by saying: ‘my partner and four boys all wanted to fly over, but I said I was fine and not to bother. I was amongst good friends and with a new friend in Patrick. He tells me the air ambulance is threatened with closure due to budget cuts. Without that, and people like Patrick and Shane, I would not be here to tell this story and would not be fishing this great event next year.’
Countries outside UK and Ireland
The World Pairs Angling Championships continues to spread its reach into other countries outside Ireland and the UK. Entrants from Germany, Holland, Belgium, Lithuania and even Australia lined up on the banks. Although the angler from Oz was Irish ex-pat Dara Finnegan, and he is now planning to return to the land of his birth.
Rudiger Hansen, was the top finisher of the German visitors. His 63.330kgs left him in 43rd place at the end. Marcus Billen is a regular visitor, and finished strongly in 64th place with 57.410kg thanks to a last day 16.560 of quality pole caught fish next to Cathal Hughes.
Ron Van De Voort, from Holland was the best placed angler from outside the UK and Ireland. His 34th place with 66.430kg was helped by a nice catch of bream on Day One on the River Shannon. Ron has been coming to Ireland to fish two festivals every year for 15 years and the World Pairs Angling Competition is firmly fixed in his diary now.
Downes/Addy calls
News of the Lakelands and Inland Waterways World Pairs Angling Championships was spread across the globe via social media, websites, radio, TV, magazines and newspapers. Not everyone had good access to one of those sources, however, and keen to keep tracks of events were Drennan Team England managers, Mark Downes and Mark Addy. They were in Poland, preparing for the Senior Men’s World Championship competition, but called World Pairs organiser Kevin Locke every day for updates.
Mark Addy had a special reason to keep tabs on results, as son Lee finished in third place with his partner Paul Keeley. Paul finished in 9th position individually, and Lee was 14th.
Robin Morley gets result from Poland
Within half an hour of the final day’s finish, Kevin Locke knew that Cathal Hughes and Philip Jackson had retained the title they won in 2012. Kevin sent a text message to Mark Downes, who was in Poland, to give him the top three places and then went to the Bush Hotel in Carrick on Shannon to prepare the venue for the evening’s presentation. As he walked into the hotel, Daiwa Sports Managing Director, Robin Morley walked out of reception and asked if he had heard the news about the winners. Kevin said he knew, but wondered how Robin had found out. The world of mass communication meant Kevin’s text went to Mark Downes in Poland, who told Nick ‘Ginger’ Howell, Daiwa Area Sales Manager for Ireland, who sent a text to Robin Morley in Ireland, who could have simply asked Kevin in the first place.
Total/Average Weights
11.590kg (25lbs) of silver fish would be a nice day’s fishing for anyone, but when you can get it every day for five days, it is incredible sport. That’s what has been experienced in the 2013 Lakelands and Inland Waterways World Pairs Angling Championships.
With 7418.590kg (14,985lbs) of hybrids, roach, perch and skimmers weighed in over the week, it has lead to many of the competitors calling it their best week’s fishing in years. Daiwa Cup individual champion, Cathal Hughes led the field with his 40.180kg (88lbs) of hybrids and roach from peg 12 at Crom River section on Wednesday. He said, ‘it was the day I realised you need to rest the feeder line to keep the hybrids coming.’ By swapping to the pole after three or four hybrids, he ensured the shoal never got spooked. A few roach on the pole line would come very fast and then he could go back on the feeder for another burst of hybrids.
World Pairs Angling organiser, Kevin Locke, said, ‘it was a brilliant success. The averages are the best weights have been for years. I can’t remember when anglers have averaged nearly 12kg a man each day on a festival.
‘Our organising team stayed near Ballinamore, and we used the town as the hub. They have welcomed us with open arms and really embraced the event. Patrick and Julie at The Old Rectory were perfect hosts and kept us sane when the pressure was on.
‘We are so pleased that Lakelands and Inland Waterways continue to sponsor and support this event. Alongside Daiwa Sports, they are responsible for drawing such a high class field to compete in this beautiful area.
‘Michael Fitzpatrick was on the bank every day as the match referee, to oversee disputes. He, and the stewards and fishery teams supplied by DCAL and Inland Fisheries Ireland, all contributed to make the whole week run as smoothly as possible.
‘I want to mention Helen Rainsford and Steve Lockett. They both put in hours on the computers each night after they had been out taking photos and checking that everything was going well for the anglers all day.
‘Finally, I look forward to welcoming all our competitors back to the Lakelands and Inland Waterways World Pairs Angling Championships next year. Hopefully it will be bigger and better, with yet more anglers.’
Tackle Shops
Finding enough bait and emergency supplies of tackle is taken care of thanks to a network of shops and dealers around the Lakelands region. Irish Bait and Tackle
Former World Individual silver-medallist, Willie Wheeler was keen to fish the event, but had to run his new tackle shop in Ballyconnell to cater for the daily draws at the Angler’s Rest Hotel.
For anglers in Enniskillen, Fishing Tackle and Bait was on hand despite owner David Burleigh being in Poland on international duty for Ireland at the World Championships.
In Ballinamore, local legend Gabriel Owen left wife Dee to look after those who came to The Forge for supplies. This shop is an institution in angling circles, with its haphazard displays and curious mix of floats and plumbing supplies. Usually in the same boxes.
Dee and Gabriel insist they know exactly where everything is, so once you have taken a look, it’s probably best to ask for what you want.
Trolley/Teams
Dave ‘Mossy’ Moss is well known around the south of England for his home-made, motorised trolley. ‘When I retired, I decided to spend some money on getting myself kitted out to make the fishing easier. My van has ramps to get my trolley in and out, and even has a winch for if the battery goes flat.’
It certainly is the ultimate in carrying kit to your peg. Sadly, most venues in Ireland require the old fashioned method of carrying everything over slightly uneven terrain. Equipped with indicators, lights, a hooter, mobile phone charger and even refrigerated buckets for bait, is great for use on commercial fisheries.
During the World Pairs event, there was a blind teams of four drawn. Mossy lined up alongside Daiwa Cup front runner, Rod Scott; Mark Pollard and eventual Daiwa Cup winner, Cathal Hughes. They finished with a total weight of 315.270kg and Mossy was quick to point out his part in the success. ‘I had to put them all right several days. No, not really, I think they carried me and may not have needed my 35kg at all. I blame fishing on commercials, it has badly affected the way I fish on natural venues.’
Lakelands and Inland Waterways World Pairs Angling Championships 2013
Results overall after each day
Day One – Overall Pair
1.Frances McGoldrick and Dave Brettell: 46.540kg, section 3
2. Kevin Rowles and Nigel Franks: 43.280, section 3
3. Andy Leathers and Will Freeman: 41.860kg, section 3
Daiwa Cup Individual
1. Frances McGoldrick: 30.640kg, peg 4, section 3A
2. Kevin Rowles: 28.760kg, peg 12, section 3A
3. Brian Bohan: 28.720kg, peg 14, section 3A
Day Two – Overall Pair
1. Lee Addy and Paul Keeley: 86.440kg, section 3
2. Terry Bintliff and Rod Scott: 77.760, section 5
3. Dean Barlow and Steve Fleming: 77.320kg, section 3
Daiwa Cup Individual
1. Rod Scott: 52.460kg, peg 5, section 5A
2. Paul Keeley: 48.330kg, peg 2, section 5B
3. Peter Jones: 47.500kg, peg 2, section 5A
Day Three – Overall Pair
1. Frances McGoldrick and Dave Brettell: 115.360kg, section 5
2. Lee Addy and Paul Keeley: 108.080kg, section 4
3. Kevin Rowles and Nigel Franks: 105.200kg, section 5
Daiwa Cup Individual
1. Frances McGoldrick: 63.840kg, peg 2, section 5A
2. Cathal Hughes: 63.410kg, peg 12, section 3A
3. Rod Scott: 62.630kg, peg 10, section 1A
Day Four – Overall Pair
1. Dean Barlow and Steve Fleming: 147.090kg, section 5
2. Lee Addy and Paul Keeley: 146.840kg, section 5
3. Philip Jackson and Cathal Hughes: 137.360kg, section 4
Daiwa Cup Individual
1. Steve Ringer: 84.040kg, peg 3, section 3A
2. Cathal Hughes: 79.830kg, peg 4, section 4B
3. Richie Hull: 77.290kg, peg 13, section 3A
Day Five – Overall Pair
1. Philip Jackson and Cathal Hughes: 185.280kg, section 5
2. Steve Ringer and Phil Ringer: 167.020kg, section 4
3. Lee Addy and Paul Keeley: 164.580kg, section 1
4. Richie Hull and Adam Rooney: 161.100kg, section 4
5. Dean Barlow and Steve Fleming: 159.260kg, section 1
Daiwa Cup Individual
1. Cathal Hughes (Daiwa/Matchcraft): 107.430kg, peg 10, section 5A
2. Steve Ringer (Daiwa/Guru): 102.140kg, peg 8, section 4B
3. Peter Jones (Cork): 96.430kg, peg 11, section 3B
4. Wayne Fuller (Ballanagh): 93.440kg, peg 3, section 3B
5. Michael Buchwalder (Preston Innovations/Daiwa Dorking): 92.710kg, peg 7, section 3B
Daily Individuals
Day One
1. Frances McGoldrick: 30.640kg, peg 4, section 3A
2. Kevin Rowles: 28.760kg, peg 12, section 3A
3. Brian Bohan: 28.720kg, peg 14, section 3A
Day Two
1. Rod Scott: 38.970kg, peg 5, section 5A
2. Peter Jones: 34.780kg, peg 2, section 5A
3. Wayne Fuller: 33.670kg, peg 6, section 5A
Day Three
1. Cathal Hughes: 40.180kg, peg 12, section 3A
2. Ron Van De Voort: 30.280kg, peg 6, section 3A
3. Rudiger Hansen: 28.020kg, peg 9, section 3A
Day Four
1. Steve Ringer: 35.240kg, peg 3, section 3A
2. Richie Hull: 30.770kg, peg 13, section 3A
3. Rick Yates: 28.000kg, peg 15, section 3A
Day Five
1. Peter Jones: 29.200kg, peg 11, section 3B
2. Cathal Hughes: 27.600kg, peg 10, section 5A
3. Wayne Fuller: 25.670kg, peg 3, section 3B
Sections
1A & B: Mud Flats, River Shannon, Carrick on Shannon
2A Kiltybarden; 2B Lough Scur
3A Upper Lough Erne, Crom Estate; 3B Upper Lough Erne, Killadeas and Airport
4A Brackley Lake; 4B Bunerky Lake
5A Garadice Lake, Church and Haughton’s Shore; 5B, Connolly’s Shore
