Highlights from Ireland Angling Show 2012
This years Ireland Angling Show Was an incredible success, more than 10,000 thousand visitors attended. This show has fast become a major national event for all the family. Anglers travelled from the four provinces and some from the UK to experience angling, undoubtedly the healthiest pastime of all.
The Angling legend, author and fishing film maker John Wilson was celebrity guest and he had time to talk to everyone. Anglers brought books to be signed by John they had purchased as far back as 25years ago. His demonstrations on the main casting arena and his unique style and techniques of fishing were a big draw. Advice and tuition on all aspects of fishing covering every discipline was available free of charge many thanks goes out to APGAI – Ireland members, Glenda Powell, Hywel Morgan, Charles Jardine, Mary Gavin Hughes and many more who gave generously of their time and expertise.
Minister of State, Fergus ODowd with the responsibility for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources was welcomed to the show by Mr. Hugh Bonner, Show Organiser and Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland. The Minister visited exhibitors and took time to talk to many visitors. He praised the work of the many experts working at the show who gave up their time to pass on their fishing skills to future generations. He also launched two new fabulous fishing books about Sea Fishing on Irelands East Coast and Coarse Fishing. These books were available free of charge to every visitor at the show.
At the show children could learn all about fishing from the many experts at the Dublin Angling Initiative stand. Sea Life had a touchpool where youngsters could touch and feel real live sea creatures. The excitement of holding a starfish or a crab that moves far outweighs any computer game. The Woodlands Falconry had birds of prey and were present to teach attendees about the Red Kite with a fine bird present to view in all its splendour and children could have their photograph taken holding a Barn Owl.
We were delighted with the fantastic turnout and enthusiastic response at this years Ireland Angling Show, says Event Organsier and Mara Media CEO, Hugh Bonnar, it was great to see the avid increase in children & families participating in angling this year also. Angling is a very accessible and inexpensive sport, and in these recessionary times it is a great and healthy way to spend that extra leisure time
Fishermen are at the fore front and cold face of conservation, occupying positions along our rivers, lakes and coastline at every hour of the day 365 days a year. Birdwatch Ireland and The Whale and Dolphin Group were present to spread their message of conservation to young and old.
Fishermen came and stayed for a day and many came back for more on Sunday. The Ireland Angling show is one not to be missed and next years show promises to be bigger and even more exciting. To learn more visit the website www.irelandanglingexpo.ie
