The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
It’s high time there was more provision and resources for women sea anglers and the Connacht Council of the Irish Federation of sea anglers is stepping up to the mark.
Their hope is to encourage female Connacht sea anglers to compete for their province at the All-Ireland Ladies Inter-Provincial Shore Angling Championships by providing support and guidance for female sea anglers in the west.
That’s according to Fiona McDonagh, the Connacht ladies shore angling team captain, who is a member of Galway Bay SAC.
“As captain for the Ladies’ Connacht Shore-Angling Team, I would love the opportunity to bring a full team to the All-Ireland. It doesn’t matter what stage you are at or how experienced you are, it’s just about being part of the team and competing.
“Five ladies are needed to represent the province at the shore inter-provincial in February and they will compete against the other three provinces.
“The individual ladies’ scores are tabled and those with the top five scores will make the Irish team. The team will be the first Irish ladies’ international team and they will go to Wales in 2014 to take on Wales and Scotland.
According to Connacht council team manager Brian Reidy, “If you are not already part of a club, the first step is to become a member of a Connacht club. This will offer you an opportunity to meet other people in your area who are regularly fishing.
“These clubs are social, fun and provide great support for novice anglers. Once you are part of a club and are interested in becoming part of the Connacht team, we can offer coaching/tackle in preparation for inter-provincial competitions.
“The top five ladies of the province go through. Then all you have to do is turn up with your rod and reel and be ready for a bit of fun.”
Those interested in representing Connacht from the shore, or interested in sea angling as a hobby can contact connpc@eircom.net; www.connaughtseaanglers.com; www.facebook.com/pages/Connaught-Council-IFSA; www.facebook.com/pages/Galway-Bay-Sea-Angling-Club.
