Written By: Gerry Mc Straw
On Date: 20/5/2008
Will be held in and around Co.Carlow. During the press conference at the Talbot hotel, Carlow it was said that the match is open to all anglers regardless of race, creed, nationality or other. Firstly the Chairman of the National Coarse Fishing Federation chairman Mr Dave Egan opened the conference with a talk regarding the Competition it's background and the fact that it was for the first time that it has been held on a river in 32 years. Other clubs
have in the past requested to hold the prestigious event however until now none have shown the commitment that the relatively new Carlow club have shown. Mr Egan praised the local organisations for agreeing to help out on the day and indeed with the general help they are offering to the
event including the Carlow branch of the Irish Red Cross and the team at Carlow volunteer Centre.
The draw venue for the Championship will be the Talbot
hotel at 8:30 am on Sunday 27th July, fishing will be from 12:00-5:00pm, a presentation award ceremony will be held afterwards at the Killerig and Ramada suits with finger food and entertainment provided by Mr Niall Coffey Director of operations at Killerig Golf course. Guest speakers in attendance on the day were Ms Fiona Cunnane from the Carlow Volunteer Centre and Mr Martin Brennan from the
Carlow Red Cross. Fiona and Martin both gave very positive speeches as regards the competition in general and the roles they play in the area and indeed the excellent work they do as volunteer organisations. Mr Martin Rush represented Carlow Coarse Angling Club and also gave an
excellent speech. Mr Rush stated that as a club the C.C.A.C. are fast becoming one of the best coarse angling clubs in the country with a steady growing membership base. he also went on to say that coarse angling is a free sport no licence is required to coarse fish, it open all year round and you do not need to be a member of any particular organisation or club to participate in this sport. Also in attendance were Mr William O'Neill from Waterways Ireland, who incidentally put together a package for all in attendance and was well received by all. The Southern Regional Fisheries
Board was represented by Mr William N.Power and various other Board employees. Various other people and organisations were also in attendance
including The Leinster Coarse Fishing Federation and members of the Carlow club. The conference was called to a close on a positive point with Mr Egan thanking everyone for turning up, showing interest and to the Carlow club for their astounding work both on and off the river.
I hope this is of use to you Brian, as I have never done this before. cheers
Gerry
This years 48th all Ireland Coarse Angling Championship