Go Fish

Waterford Sports Partnership ran a fishing programme for girls from Whitechurch N.S and Scoil Naomh Mhichil, Ballyduff Upper, ranging from 4th to 6th class. The programme was called Go Fish and it was run in conjunction with Blackwater Lodge Fishery, Ballyduff Upper. As part of the programme, the girls had to participate with an adult of their choice; be it their mother, father, sister, brother etc.
The specific aim of the programme was to utilise the area’s natural surroundings and introduce fishing as both a sport and a way of relaxing and enjoying oneself. The programme was delivered by Glenda Powell (Blackwater Lodge) along with the assistance of Conor Arnold. Over the six week period, the 24 participants who took part were facilitated with a 3 hour session every Sunday evening where they mixed both theoretical and practical work. They learned about water safety, taking care of the environment, how clean water is important, basic entomology, the Blackwater river system & its native and invasive species in addition to the life cycle of fish. The local GAA field was used for casting practice prior to their skills being transferred to the Blackwater River itself where there was hours of enjoyment in the pursuit of catching fish.

Feedback from the participants was very positive; Frank Seery said the programme was “A great way to learn how to fish for the beginner and to learn a little of nature at the river banks”; Ciara Power said “It was an excellent experience. I enjoyed every minute of it and I’d love to do it again”. The programme was a great opportunity for the participants to get an insight into the sport of fly fishing, as highlighted by Megan Foley “I loved learning about salmon and trout and I liked knowing how to tie a half blood knot”. Fionnhuala Keane also outlined the social aspect which the programme offered “I loved every Sunday going to the river and having fun with my dad and my
friends”.

Feedback from Glenda Powell (Programme Leader) was just as positive; “I found the Go Fish programme to be a wonderful experience for the children and also for ourselves running the course. Both the children and adults seemed to thoroughly enjoy the outdoors and it was very encouraging to see the children interested in improving their fly casting skills, asking questions about the river and soaking up the nature surrounding them. It gave them a very nice time to enjoy the outdoors in each other’s company and to enable them to make new friends with similar interests whilst learning about their local environment. I look forward to many more such courses in the future.”

We would like to thank Blackwater Lodge for accommodating the running of this programme and
Glenda Powell and Conor Arnold for their enthusiasm and willingness to teach the participants the
art of fly fishing and all that comes with it.
For further information on Waterford Sports Partnership programmes, please contact us on 058
21194 or 051 849855 or by email; info@waterfordsportspartnership.ie
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