Post by speyvalley on Oct 17, 2007 22:14:37 GMT
minitube said:
We just had the inaugral "Spey Omega" competition last weekend on the Shannon at Clonlara near Castleconnell. Ruari Costello called it Spey Omega as it is the last event of the year in Ireland.It was a 15 ft rod Spey casting Competition with substantial prizes. In water to about the waist and change of angle of 35 degrees.
This successful event was organised by Ruari Costello and part sponsored by Pat Nolan of Premier Angling Supplies in Neenagh Co Tipperary. There was also a Spey casting clinic with two FFF T.H.C.I. instructors for two days at the same venue organised by Pat Nolan.
It will now be an annual event. Ruari also managed to be fortunate enough to win the competition which was closely fought with stiff competition. Great to see the Scots lads over. The weather was fantastic and the whole thing very civilised as it was held beside a pub and restaurant, the anglers rest.
Well done Ruari on your fine win and to Ruari and Pat for organising this excellent event.
I'm claiming first prize for the circuit of Clare rally to get Andrew Toft back to the airport. This included one pit stop for re fuelling.
fishingd0 said:
A big well done to Ruiri. It sounded like a great weekend, which I hope to make next year.Robert and Gordon
I hope you dont mind but I started a thread to cover some pictures along with your posts.
For anyone interested in distance Speycasting with the 15 foot rod,mark this one in your diary for 2008,"Spey Omega" was a resounding success.
Pat Nolan of Premier Angling supplies Co Tipperary, and Ruairi Costello of Co Clare got their heads together after a dreadfully wet summer, which cancelled most gamefairs in the UK and Ireland,and came up with a joint venture which included a 2 day casting clinic and a Speycasting competiton.
The casting clinics were fully booked weeks in advance,with Andrew Toft and Robert Gillespie conducting some fantastic demos and passing on valuable knowledge to their students.
The Speycasting competition was held on the River Shannon at Doonass beside the Anglers Rest pub,which was perfect for lunches and refreshments.
It was a really friendly atmosphere and great to see all the competitors discussing technique tackle and tactics.
The prizes on display were excellent,with a beautiful Silver plate for 1st prize.with top quality clothing,waders,reels and spools.
This was a first for the event,and it ran like clockwork.I must say a special thanks to Brendan Begley, (senior judge),John Fahey and Paddy Macdonald who all did a Sterling job.
Qualifying Took place all day with the top 6 casters getting to the final in the afternoon.It was great to see some new blood having a go with some excellent 1st entry casters,worthy of a special mention,they were Iain Gardner,Derek Doyle,Cahill Docherty,Jim Crehan and Michael Egan,all these guys were so enthusiastic and all hit personal bests over the weekend.
Pat Nolan checks up on the 2 casting instuctors
Casting Clinic above the falls
Setting up theSpeycasting Comp below Falls
Trial run
Judges at the ready
Brendan Begley and Cahill Docherty
markers tested
Iain Gardners best cast of the weekend measured 45 yards unfortunately he was just practicing "Nae luck Iain"
The competition was a real life fishing situation wading in a reasonably quick flow with a 15 foot rod.
The top 6 qualifiers who made the final
1. Gerard Downie 51yds 20 inches
2. James Chalmers 48yds 10 inches
3. Ruairi Costello 45yds 3 inches
4. Robert Gillesie 42yds 2 inches
5. Andrew Toft 41yds 30 inches
6. Michael Egan 40yds 18 inches
Lots were drawn for the final ,as there was a light upstream breeze so it was pot luck.
It was a very close run thing
The results were as follows
1st Ruairi Costello 45yds 30 inches
2nd Andrew Toft 45yds 12 inches
3rd Gerard Downie 44yds 28 inches
4th James Chalmers 44yds 24 inches
5th Robert Gillespie 42yds 16 inches
6th Michael Egan 38yds 10 inches
Prizes
Awaiting the result
6th Michael Egan
5th Robert Gillespie who decided to do a mystery tour of Ireland
4th Yours truly
3rd Gerard Downie
2nd Andrew Toft
No photo available as he was somewhere between,Limmerick,Nenagh,Tuamgrainey,Killiloe,Scarriff and Galway,because his driver knew his way around the Emerald Isle
2007 Spey Omega Winner Ruairi Costello
Ruairi Costello and Pat Nolan
A great weekend was had by all,and a big thank you to all who took the time to help out, looking forward to 2008,which will be a 2 day competition.
Sat Nav will be an addition to someones car ;D
James Chalmers