Bandon Scouts enjoy free fishing tuition day on the River Blackwater

Bandon Angling Association organise youth angling initiative supported by Inland Fisheries Ireland

Friday, 5th May 2017: Bandon Scouts recently attended a fishing tuition day organised by Bandon Angling Association and supported by Inland Fisheries Ireland. In total, 15 scouts took part in the fishing day which saw them learn the basics of fly fishing, water safety, fish biology and ecology on the River Blackwater.

Bandon Angling Association received sponsorship for the event from Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Sponsorship Scheme which supports angling events and initiatives across the country. The Sponsorship Scheme was announced in December 2016 with applications invited from anglers, angling clubs and organisations nationwide. Overall across the country, the scheme is supporting 79 initiatives in 2017 to the tune of €30,000 with a focus on those which help grow Ireland’s angling tourism product and support novice anglers.

Bandon Angling Association’s Scout Day is one of six angling initiatives in Cork to receive sponsorship this year. The initiative saw children participate in theoretical and practical lessons with Brenda Powell, a renowned fly fishing instructor from Waterford who led the tuition day. The scouts were also taught how to fly cast with support from members of Bandon Angling Association.

Bandon Scouts enjoy free fishing tuition day on the River Blackwater

Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “We are delighted to support this fantastic initiative by Bandon Angling Association and Bandon Scouts which introduces young people to the pursuit of fly fishing. We are committed to supporting community groups who want to help increase participation in angling and to position Ireland as a premier national and international angling destination.”

Jason Nash, Bandon Angling Association said: “The day was very successful with weather and water conditions kind to us. The scouts enjoyed a day of learning with practical hands on experience of fly fishing as well as learning about the river and fish in general. Members of Bandon Angling Association were keen to organise the day with a view to encouraging these young novice anglers to take up fishing as a hobby.”

For more information on the initiatives awarded funding under Inland Fisheries Ireland’s 2017 Sponsorship Scheme, visit www.fisheriesireland.ie, to find out more about Bandon Angling Association, visit www.bandonangling.com and to learn more about Brenda Powell’s tuition visit www.glendapowellguiding.com .

ENDS

For media information:

Órla Sheils
Communications Manager
Inland Fisheries Ireland
E: orla.sheils@fisheriesireland.ie
T: (01) 8842673

About Inland Fisheries Ireland

Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. Inland Fisheries Ireland promotes, supports, facilitates and advises the Minister on the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling. Inland Fisheries Ireland also develops policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling and advises the Minister on same.