Angling Association launched in Loughmacrory
Published: 20 July, 2010
Cllr Mc Aleer pictured with the Angling committee, representatives of Loughmacrory Community Association and Loughs Agency.
Monday the 19th of July saw the official 'launch' of the newly formed Loughmacrory and Murrrins District Angling Association (LAMDAA). Omagh District Council Chairman, Cllr Declan McAleer and the LAMDAA Committee members, along with representatives of the Loughmacrory Community Development Association (LCDA) and the Loughs Agency, celebrated the first fishing season under the new club during Angling Awareness Month 2010.
LAMDAA Chairman, Peter Aiken, was delighted with the turnout on the evening and took guests out onto the lake on his boat to mark the occasion.
According to Mr Aiken "It is important to raise awareness of angling in our area, and especially here in Loughmacrory. The wild brown trout fishery that we run here is unique to this part of the country.
"Although the Association is only in its first year, there are already some exciting plans for the future. For instance, we are already in talks with the Loughs Agency to develop the gravel beds on the tributary to the lake to maximise the successful spawning of the wild brown trout population. Down the line, we have plans to develop a hatchery, and to get the local schools involved as part of an educational programme."
The chairperson of Omagh District Council, Declan Mc Aleer also gave his seal of approval to the development of the new club. Speaking at the launch, Cllr Mc Aleer said:
"I would like to pay tribute to the hard work and determination of the local anglers for taking the initiative of bringing this club to fruition. I am particularly impressed at the angler's willingness and desire to reach out to the local community, particularly the children, and teach them the 'tricks of their trade'. The lough is a wonderful amenity in our district and the formation of this angling group really adds value to this priceless natural asset".
Also in attendance at the launch was chairman of Loughmacrory Community Development Association, Kevin Mc Elduff. Mr Mc Elduff congratulated the Angling Association on their work to date, and added that the area is suited to all the family, not just anglers:
"The development of the angling association is a great boost to our area and compliments the excellent work that has been carried out to date on the lough and its associated environs. This includes the increasingly popular lough walk, the biodiversity activities and the recently developed picnic and recreation area.
"As an association, we also have very ambitious plans to develop canoeing facilities on the lough, to move forward on social economy initiatives and to deliver a Halloween spectacular, which will be sure to be remembered. These are exciting times for the Loughmacrory community and the formation of the angling association is an integral part of that."
Michael Collins (Angling PRO) added, "The Association, still in its infancy, has successfully run fly tying classes over the winter, and we have had expert casting coaching lessons at the lough earlier in the year. Over the next few months and years we are hoping to run further classes and educational programmes for anglers of all ages and abilities. This time of year is perfect for local anglers to take out a day ticket and spend a day, with their families, on, and around, the lough. We truly are so lucky to have such a beautiful and peaceful place here, right on our doorsteps".
If you would like to find out more about the angling at Loughmacrory you can visit www.loughmacroryinfo.com, or in the meantime why not bring the family up for a walk around the lough and count the fish rising for yourself?
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