www.military.ie the defence forces magazine
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There were 14 competitors this year, a small
number compared to other years where you
may have had up to 70 anglers pulling in
fish on the shores. Over the years unfortu-
nately the numbers have dwindled. Philip who
organised and ran the event was one of the
competitors and as he told us he'd like to get
more people out competing in the sport as its
not only a chance to fish, but to meet other
members of the DF both old and new to com-
pete against. There were 3 sessions to compete
in, with the Sea competition having been held
early on in the month. The beaches fished on
were Spa near Fenit, Stradbally/Gulane in Cas-
tlegregory and Banna Beaches respectfully.
The 14 competitors ranged from the ages
of 23 to 58 from the PDF, with ranks of Private
to Quarter Master competing, and 2 of those
14 were ex members of the PDF. Each angler
had his own secrets and tricks to try and lure
in the fish, using crabmeat mainly as bait but
also various types of worms and small fish. The
fish being caught seemed happy to partake
in the free meals as the anglers pulled them
in relentlessly, but as a good will policy any
fish that were caught where possible were
returned alive to the sea. The hungry fish that
were hooked in, varied from flounder to plaice,
turbot, dragonets, bass, scad and one 85cm
painted ray fish, which took nearly 40 minutes
to pull in.
AS ThIS WAS A CoMPETITIoN ThERE
WERE WINNERS oF CouRSE AND ThEy
ARE AS FoLLoWS:
The Defence Forces Master Angler Shore and Boat – CQMS Philip Barry
The Sgt Michael Perpetual Shore Individual Winner – Sgt Terry O'Brien
The Comdt Ailbhe o'Sullivan Shore Team Champions – 28 Inf Bn (Sgts Joe
Duffy, Gerry McCabe, Terry O'Brien and Pte Noel
Hegarty)
Master Angler Shore – Sgt Terry O'Brien
The Christy Reidy Perpetual Cup (Longest edible
fish) – Cpl JJ McFadden
The Capt Brian Crohnelm Memorial Perpetual Cup
(Greatest variety overall) – Sgt Gerry McCabe
The overall winner was CQMS Philip Barry, who will
now be put forward to the Irish Championships to
fish under the DF flag, and we here in An Cosantóir wish Philip the best of luck.
If you want to take up fishing and you're not sure where to start, don't hesitate to contact CQMS
Philip Barry in 1 Bde Ord Gp, Collins Bks, Cork, or by email to philip.barry@defenceforces.ie.
