The annual Easter Pike Angling Festival concluded today with 142 pike landed over the two days.
Held in glorious weather but perhaps a bit too bright for fishing, the heaviest fish caught was 20lb 3oz resulting in Paddy O’Neill receiving first prize of €2500, the winners jacket and Moonstone cup.
Paddy also had the second heaviest fish at 19lb 3oz but because he was in the winners list, this fish did not count in the rankings.
Second place went to Cathal Beirne for his pike weighing 18lb 4oz netting him €1500.
Third prize winner was Padraig Cunningham with 17lb 4oz and winning him €750.
Other prize winners included Adam Hayden, Jason and Shane, Jake Sharkey and Kieran Fallon, Sandra Barden, Kelly Leonard, David Porter, Alan Curran, Adrian McKenna, Brendan Horan, Pat Healy, Terence Beirne and Jesse Mc Dermottroe.
Addressing the crowd, Derrick Winter on behalf of the club thanked the generous sponsors, local people who helped in anyway, catering team, Roscommon Co Co and John Gallagher, all the stewards, Fisheries Board Fergus Lynch and his team, Declan and Gundy, Kevin for computer assistance and Philip for the sound.
He also thanked the club members for the hard work over the last four months in preparation for the event.
In conclusion Derrick said it was a sad event as this year a loyal volunteer in Doreen Caldbeck was no longer with them and she was sadly missed.
A collection was held in Doreen’s honour with funds going to local cancer charity.
Special thanks on behalf of Boyletoday.com to the members of Boyle Angling Club for their assistance in the coverage of the event especially John Gallagher, Tom Commons, Derrick Winter and Martin Connolly
