FISHING: Launching ‘The Charity’ Lough Lein Anglers Association, Killarney annual charity event at Reen Pier, Ross Castle, Killarney were: Timo O’Sullivan (Chairman), Ian O’Connell and organising members, Phil Horan and Padraig Coughlan. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

The Lough Lein Anglers Association, one of the longest established fishing clubs in Ireland, will host its 32^nd annual charity open fly fishing competition on April 28.

The event, known as ‘The Charity’ will take place on Lough Lein, from Ross Castle in Killarney National Park with funds this year going to the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) inDún Laoghaire Co Dublin.

Since its inception in 1987, the Lough Lein Anglers Association and its supporters have raised over €229,000 in Kerry and Cork.

Chairman of ‘The Charity’ organising committee, Timo O’Sullivan, is an avid angler, volunteer with many organisations in Kerry, and a wonderful advocate for wheelchair accessibility. It is 35 years since an accident at work resulted in Timo sustaining life changing injuries and leaving him wheelchair bound.

“The treatment and the expert care and lifelong friendship I received from staff at the NRH, has enabled me to carry out every aspect of daily life to the fullest extent,” he said.

“35 years on, and I am involved in many volunteer organisations in Killarney, beekeeping is my new passion,” Timo, who spent six months in the expert care of the NRH following his accident in 1984, said.

Building has commenced on a new state of the sports arena, rehabilitation facilities and 120 patient bedrooms, with the project expected to be completed by 2020.

“Our association has, following discussions with the NRH Foundation, agreed to expand the fundraising efforts of this year's charity. Our aim is to raise €58,000 which is the cost of equipping 26 of the 120 bedrooms. As well as ‘The Charity’ the NRH has been chosen as a beneficiary of this year’s Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle. We are delighted to receive this news, and to have Ian O’Connell, the inspirational Killarney teenager, who sustained serious injuries in a cycle accident two years ago with us for this year’s launch at Reen Pier, together with organising members Phil Horan and Padraig Coughlan. The charity is indebted for the kind support and sponsorship of Lee Strand who come up trumps for us every year.”

The competition is open to members of angling clubs or associations which are TAFI or FISSTA associated. For further information about the event or donating to ‘The Charity’ contact Timo 087 9364886 or email:timo@eircom.net.