Spey ‘O’ Mega 2011 Castleconnell Ireland.
21/10/2011
The coveted Spey O Mega crystal trophies and T shirts
The fifth annual Spey O Mega sponsored by Pat Nolan of Premier Angling supplies and Carron took place on the mighty River Shannon this past weekend with a very healthy crowd on both days. The competition entries were very good with a casting standard which was exceptional. It was particularly pleasing to see how this event has really taken off, with many casters from Limerick and the surrounding counties attending and taking part in the competition. The qualifying rounds took place on Saturday and Sunday morning with seven men going forward to the finals in the afternoon. The Spey O Mega 15 foot final was a nail biter with Ruairi Costello and Gerard Downey both casting exceptionally well whilst wading deep in fast flowing water and casting into a strong headwind, they both achieved the same distance of 141 feet 10 inches which meant a cast off. This was eventualy won by Ruairi Costello who made a cast of 149 feet 2 inches just pipping Gerard by 4 inches.
Ruairi Costello receives 1st prize from Robert Gillespie who did a sterling job with his casting clinics as well as controlling all the judges and being the Master of Ceremonies
A healthy crowd supported the event, and it looks like Pat Nolan and Dennis O’Donnell are striking a deal for Dennis’s new Carron rod.
That great local casting legend and world record holder himself Mr John Enright of Castleconnell would have been proud of his legacy, to see the high standards and interest left behind on the Shannon many years later. It was really encouraging to see four anglers who fish the Shannon regularly taking part in the competition and acquitting themselves admirably. Congratulations to you all, there seems to be a steely determination amongst the local men and they will train hard for next years event. A special mention must go to Shane Hickey for achieving fourth place casting for the first time with the angle change whilst wading and taking the 100 euro gift voucher for best local caster donated by Premier Angling supplies.
James Chalmers, Shane Hickey, Ruairi Costello & Gerard Downey with the prizes.
Gerard Downey, James Chalmers, Pat Nolan & Ruairi Costello
Spey O Mega has gone from strength to strength due to a lot of behind the scenes work from volunteers who help to cut down bushes, cut grass and set up the course, not forgetting the catering duties on the day, I would like to say a special thanks to Ruairi Costello, Stephen Slattery, Edddie and Liam Hynes who’s catering skills were well appreciated over the weekend. I am looking forward to an even bigger and better Spey O Mega 2012.