Angler John lands the Barton Memorial Cup
LAST week Mallow Trout Anglers travelled to Killarney to fish their annual confined lake competition.
Twenty hardy souls headed off early to ready boats and warm up engines prior to heading out on the lovely Lough Leine to pit their wits against the wily brownies that inhabit this beautiful lake. The draw for partners having been made on the Thursday night had drivers picking up a club mate in the small hours of the morning before heading towards Killarney to try their luck.
With the sun splitting the rocks fishing was slow with measurable trout hard to come by. The lack of wind also added to the problems of the anglers with boats lying in the doldrums for the most part.
However, the afternoon brought a welcome breeze and hope to the fishermen. John O’Connell, who was on a high after qualifying to represent the country in the ITFFA Inter-pro, fished on Lough Owel in Mullingar the previous day, said he had as hard a time as everyone else at catching them. But just after 5.30pm he had an inspiration.
He changed a fly on his cast to one he had been given by his fishing partner on Owel the day before, which came up trumps for him.
Back on dry land that evening at the Bridge House, Chairman Richie Willis announced the winner and congratulated John O’Connell on his marvelous achievement on Lough Owel the previous day.
He also congratulated angler of the year 2016 John Willis on winning the Munster River Competition that was fished that very day on the Upper Blackwater. John Ruby, who came fifth in that competition, also came in for a mention.
All boatmen were thanked for their expertise and boat craft.
He then announced the winner of the Brendan Barton Memorial Cup as being the same John O’Connell. John also took the prize for heaviest trout on the day.
In second place was Ger Marrinan, P. J. O’Connell in third, fourth was John Barrett, Pat Buckley in fifth and Shane Crowley was sixth.