This was another very competitive competition programme with anglers fishing in 20 individual competitions fished at a number of fisheries and often in very challenging conditions. Although the majority of the competitions were fished locally at the Corbet Lough and on the River Bann there were also competitions fished further afield on Lough Melvin and the Spelga Dam. After some great individual competitions Geoff Hylands has taken the prestigious accolade of Adult Angler of the Year 2019. Although Geoff has been a very successful competition angler over many years, including winning the ultimate fly fishing competition when he was crowned World Champion at Lough Mask in 2017, this is the first occasion he has taken the Club’s Angler of the Year title. Geoff’s success was greatly deserved as he was without doubt the most consistent angler throughout the season taking points in most of the competitions.
In the juvenile category Patrick Curran has taken the accolade of Juvenile Angler of the Year 2019. Although Patrick has previously been placed in the Angler of the Year competitions, winning a lot of individual competitions, this is also the first occasion when he has been the Angler of the Year. Patrick has had a great season in 2019 catching some fantastic fish at the Corbet Lough. He also enjoyed another great first this season when he caught a great Brown Trout on the mayfly at the magicial Lough Sheelin. Patrick is a great young fly fisherman and he is now following in his father Joe’s footsteps. Joe was the first Juvenile Angler of the Year back in 1977 and he retained the title in 1978. Patrick has another season as a juvenile angler and I am sure his target will be to match Joe’s success as a juvenile angler. Patrick is also a very competent fly tyer and regularly attends the Club’s fly tying class.
In the junior category Niall Tumelty has retained the title of Junior Angler of the Year for 2019. Although there was limited competition in this category this year Niall still had to participate and catch the fish. He was mentored by his gran uncle Frank Tumelty in these competitions. The Club hopes that Niall and many more young anglers will continue to fish in the coming season.
Congratulations to Geoff, Patrick and Niall on their fantastic success in 2019.