Irish Open Speycasting Competition
Just getting back to normality after a fantastic weekend at Emo court in Ireland.
I would like to congratulate the organisers and judges of this event for their professional approach to competition judging and absolute clarity in the marking of each cast,as this makes all the difference to the competitors who pay their money to have a go.
The quality of this show is increasing each year with, plenty of entries to all the events,It was really good to see plenty new faces having a go, and the potential for the future is very encouraging,especially from Ireland.
The organisers of the fishing side were a magical double act,they are giants in the fishing circles Hywell Morgan of Scierra and Andy Murray of House of Hardy along with a band of organisers from Irelands casting organisations,well
done to you all especially in the searing heat.
The casting competition itself was nailbiting,very close indeed with Gordon Armstrong taking first place with a cast of 58.5 yards on his very 1st cast,Oddbjorn AKA Mcintyre on the forum took second place and Knut Syrstad
was third,well done guys a very commendable achievment as the conditions in the final were difficult.
This venue is a must visit for anyone who is keen on distance Speycasting with a big prize fund for the top 3 casters
A special mention should be given to the guys who competed in the Ghillies trophy which is a combination of overhead aand Speycasting using a 14 foot hardys rod and a Hardy line.
The final of this event was brilliant,with very little between the top 3 casters
The winner was Cameron Smith,second place was 15 year old Blair Banks(what a talent)third place was Ruari Costello
here are some pics of the weekend
Blair Banks and Gerard coyle Ireland
Added bonus
Cool Dude
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Blair with his 1st Prize
Ruari with 1st prize
Cameron with 1st prize in the Ghillie Trophy
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Blair Banks getting interveiwed by the female press
Showing off their Prizes
Chill out time
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Knut and Blair
The Beer was great therapy
I would like to make a special mention to Gerard Coyle AKA Ger who travelled up by train and took a Taxi to the show each day,keep up the good work with the casting Gerard and you will be a force to be reckoned with,good luck in Sligo.
James Chalmers