Angling event presents opportunities for people with limited mobility
Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) in partnership with Waterways Ireland, Inland Fisheries Ireland and Bluebell Community Anglers Club hosted a national angling competition at the 12th Lock, Grand Canal, Newcastle Road in Lucan.
The annual competition, which is now in its thirteenth year, is the largest event of its kind in the country. The competition saw over 80 anglers, with physical disabilities and other mobility impairments compete in the shore based fishing event.
The fishing event which is organised by IWA’s Day Centre located on the Newcastle Road, Lucan has grown in popularity in recent years due to the 12th Lock’s ideal location for fishing, which has safe access for people with disabilities, and a secure waters-edge suitable for wheelchairs.
The competition saw anglers travel from all over Ireland to participate in the event, which is now a regular fixture on the Irish angling calendar.
Ciaran McLoughlin, IWA Service Coordinator Lucan explained: “Fishing is an ideal sporting and recreational activity for people with physical and sensory disabilities.
“Irish Wheelchair Association regularly organise trips and fishing based holidays for members of the Association. The sport is extremely popular as it presents fewer barriers and more opportunities for people with limited mobility.
“The Association are extremely proud of the annual event which is the largest fishing event in the country.
“Today, we have over 80 people participating in the event along the canal, and this is made possible as a result of the ongoing commitment from Waterways Ireland, Inland Fisheries and Bluebell Community Anglers Club.”
