Participants from 25 different groups across the county participated over the past couple of months in a ground-breaking programme on the banks of the Blackwater at Fermoy – one of two national Centres of Excellence for disabled angling - embraced the ‘Angling for All’ programme.

At Fermoy Youth Centre recently, the participants received their certificates from Deputy Tom Barry and Mayor Olive Corcoran, both of whom praised the participants and organisers for their involvement in what the mayor described as “one of the best initiatives in Fermoy for a long, long time.”

Bob Seaward of the Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers of Ireland, who has been deeply involved with the ‘Angling for All’ initiative at national level, outlined further plans as part of Fermoy’s special status for disabled anglers.

Ten projects ran during the glorious summer around the country with two centres of excellence established; on the Blackwater in Fermoy and on the river Suck in Dunamon, Co. Roscommon. The development of these two angling 'hubs' was, and continues to be, supported by the Angling Council of Ireland, the Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers of Ireland and Inland Fisheries Ireland.

However, central to the success of the project were the qualified Angling Council of Ireland-trained and CPD-certified coaches, members of Fermoy Angling Club, who received specialist training and gave of their time willingly and voluntarily.

Deputy Barry described it as 'a great initiative and something that can be built upon for the benefit of everyone'.

"I might even try and learn to fish myself," he said.

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