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LOUGH LEIN in Killarney is the place to be to catch this year’s Four Nations Youth International Fly Fishing Competition. Competing in the event are Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland in a competition that dates back to 1985. The hosting for the competition is rotated annually and Killarney has been chosen as the location for this year’s prestigious event.

Anglers for all teams must be under the age of 18 years to participate in the event and though there are no lower age limit for participation in the event, in recent years some participants have been aged as young as 12 years of age. This year’s event held in Lough Lein in Killarney saw teams arriving in Killarney on Sunday, July 31.

All four teams are staying with Randles Hotel in Killarney on the Muckross Road. “The hotel has been chosen as the ideal location for participants of the event to enjoy the homely, comfortable and relaxing surroundings of Randles Hotel,” said Tom Randles, general manager, Randles Hotel.

“We are delighted to have been chosen to host all the teams participating in this year’s event. It’s a fantastic the event is taking place in Lough Lein in Killarney, and I am really looking forward to the competition. Randles Hotel has previously hosted teams participating in both the ladies and men’s International and European Fly Fishing Competitions in previous years, but this is our first Youth Event we have hosted run by the Trout Anglers Federation of Ireland, and we are delighted to welcome them to Killarney.”

On Sunday, the participants of the event enjoyed an opening dinner at the hotel and attend a brief welcoming speech.

Over the past two days, the young anglers have been enjoying the opportunity to practise between 10am to 5pm with their coaches in Lough Lein.

The competition starts tomorrow, Wednesday, August 3, and all teams will march to their boats waving the country’s flag they are representing led by a piper. The competition will start on 10am and finish at 5pm. Excitement will then follow when all fish will be measured and fish that are longer than 22cm will only be eligible and all anglers catch will be recorded and totalled up to determine the winning team.

The following night all teams will attend a gala dinner for presentation of prizes and medals.

“Once again each team will be led into the room by a piper. After dinner, each team captain will give a short speech and call up his team mates to receive their international medals,” said Mr Randles.

Prizes for each countries best angler and biggest fish will be presented. A prize for the overall best angler will be presented as well as a prize for the overall biggest fish.

On Thursday, August 4, all teams will leave for home. The event will be a fantastic experience for the young anglers, and it’s hoped many of the participants will make great friendships with their opponents, and keep in touch through digital platforms such as social media and mobile apps in the future.
 

 
Soft day: Local gillies, Pat Buckley, left, Maurice Willis and John Quilligan, waiting for the summer rain to stop to take team members of the Four Nations Youth International Fly Fishing Competition for their first practice run on Lough Lein, Killarney before the main competition later this week. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN