Etched on the silver plate of the “King of Clubs” trophy are match angling legends from the UK and they date back to 1983.
In fact, it is a lengthy 'Who's Who' because 2008 is the 25th anniversary of the “King of Clubs” - the most prestigious of all the Irish angling festivals - and it takes place again this year from September 8-12.
It would be wonderful to see a few of them turning up again and keeping pace with today's matchmen who face a slightly different Ireland. Bream still make a huge difference but roach, hybrids and skimmer bream, are much more likely to be the target on the prolific lakes of Cavan and Leitrim.
Good anglers don't fade away, they just get cuter and perhaps they could be enticed with figures that show the average catch on every peg across five days was 18lb per man …. now that is good fishing.
So who were the first 10 winners: -
- Peter Hodge, Bridgewater
- Alan Larkin, Dublin
- Stan Piecha, Shakespeare
- Dickie Carr, ABC
- Peter Clapperton, Essex County
- Dennis White, Barnsley Blacks
- Mark Downes, Birmingham
- Bob Nudd, Browning
Fishing venues 2008
There will be little change to the proven match venues around Gowna, Carrigallen and Arva, although a final decision will not be made until September when water levels should be back to normal and the fishing at its very best. However, Church Shore has not been used for several years and new access, along with great early sport, means that the Northern Fisheries Board will be keeping an eye on results.
The Prize Money
There is £3,000 guaranteed for the overall winner from a fund based on the return all entry fees PLUS £2,500 sponsorship cash from Tourism Ireland and Irish Ferries. Based on 150 anglers taking part that would create a cash fund of £17,000 PLUS optional pools.
- Five days fishing - Monday-Friday September 8 - 12
- £50 every five pegs, every section, every day
- Six hours fishing from 10.30am to 4.30pm
- Winners to be decided on total weight for daily and overall prizes
- Five different venues and anglers fishing each one in turn
- Normal fishing rules including 'no bloodworm or joker'
- Pike will NOT be weighed
- Entry fee £100 and prizes paid in Sterling
- Entry fee for anglers resident in Ireland £150
Book your ticket and travel for the King of Clubs - Telephone 08705 171717.
Greg Matthews
