Dodder Anglers honoured to host Leinster River C’ships
By Mary Dennehy
THE 2019 Leinster River Championships will take to the waters of the Dodder this July, and will be hosted by local club, the Dodder Anglers.
Established more than 60 years ago, the Dodder Anglers had 800 adult and close on 130 juvenile members in 2018, with the club keeping a watchful and caring eye on the vibrant waterway over the decades.
Members of Dodder Anglers on the banks of the river this week, Gerry Heaslip, Redmond O Hanlon, Rory Harkin and Mary Harkin (of Rory’s Tackle), Tony Butler, Martin Mc Gorian and Jim Kiseen
Growing up in Bohernabreena before moving down to St Maelruain’s, Gerry Heaslip has been a member of the Dodder Anglers for around 40 years.
Fishing the Dodder since he was a child, Gerry, who is a Dodder Anglers’ committee member, told The Echo: “The Irish Trout Fly Fishing Association (ITFFA) was so happy with the way the competition went last year that they have asked the Dodder Anglers to host again this year – which is a great honour for our local angling club.
“Fly fishing anglers from all across Leinster will take part in the competition to try and claim their place on our International Rivers Team for 2020.”
On Sunday, July 21, 25 anglers will test their skills on the river, with five qualifiers on the day going forward to represent Ireland on the international stage.
The competition will be staged between Templeogue (Riverside cottages) and Clonskeagh, with members of the public encouraged to come along on the day to enjoy the catch-and-release competition and also the significance and beauty of the Dodder as a wildlife corridor.
“We would love to see people coming to the river on the day to see some of Ireland’s best fly fishing anglers in action”, Gerry said.
“The competition is run on a catch and release basis and all fish are placed safely back into the river after been measured.”
Dodder Anglers have also asked dog walkers if they could help them out on the day by keeping their pets out of the river during competition hours.
The 2019 Leinster River Championships will take to the Dodder from 10am to 5pm on Sunday, July 21.
People are invited to drop by or for further details visit the Dodder Anglers Facebook page.
Dodder Anglers wished to thank its sole sponsor Rory’s Fishing Tackle in Temple Bar for its ongoing support to the club over the years.
