Sport

Opportunity knocks for budding fly-tyers

Over the next few weeks there are a number of events where the opportunity to improve your own fishing skills and knowledge or introduce a child to the world of angling are available for a very reasonable price or, in many cases, free of charge for children under 15.

The weekend of June 29 and 30 sees both the Irish International Fly Fair (IIFF) take place at Killyleagh, Co Down and the Irish Game Fair at Shane's Castle, Co Antrim.

This is the sixth year that the Dibney river Coservation Trust will be hosting the IIFF and for a nominal donation of £5 (children under 15 free when accompanied by an adult) you can enjoy the skills of some 30 expert fly tyers from around the world.

You can also get some up close and personal, but informal instruction on fly casting from a range of APGAI (Ass. of Professional Game Angling Instructors) and APGAI Ireland instructors in the lovely surroundings of Killyleagh Castle.

There are also special courses for children in both the arts of fly dressing and fly casting.

For those interested in some scientific advice there will be talks and forums given by Professor Ken Whelan, Dr. robert rosell, Dr. richard Kennedy (both of the Agri-Food & Bio Sciences Institute for NI) and Paddy Keenan (No to Salmon Nets).

Meanwhile, in Co Antrim, the Irish Game Fair will be taking place and, of course, there will be a fisherman's row at this large event.

Again there will be free fly-casting and fly-tying lessons with APGAI Ireland personnel as well as a fly-casting demonstration in the main arena involving well-known anglers, Glenda Powell and the fairs Angling Director Stevie Munn.

Also available will be a number of stands where the latest tackle and information will be provided and conservation matters addressed and discussed.

On Saturday, July 6, Inland Fisheries Ireland will be running their juvenile anglers day on the famous Cathedral Beat on the Lower Moy in Ballina. The event is free and open to all, but booking a place may be advisable as there are only six places per hour from 9am to 6pm. rods, tackle and tuition are all provided and the number to contact is 00 353 (0)96 22788.

These sorts of shows, fairs and events can only take place because many of the instructors and tyers give their time voluntarily and they obviously deserve a big thank you. They are an ideal way to learn more about angling skills or introduce someone, young or not so young, to a sport or pastime that can entertain them for a lifetime.

For those taking part, these shows are hard work but fun and hopefully the passion of those involved will attract some new anglers.