Top anglers recognised at Leitrim fishing festival

The winners of Carrigallen Autumn Fishing Festival, held at Mitchell’s Lounge on Friday, October 4 were honoured in a prize-giving ceremony.

The popular festival spanned five days, from September 30 to October 4, offering anglers a perfect blend of competitive sport and leisure.

Sinéad McDermott, Tourism Officer with Leitrim County Council presented the prizes to winners Kevin Johnson, Rory O’Neil and Michael Mahoney.

The festival was a great success, attracting 50 anglers who managed to catch impressive weights of fish from local lakes.

The event was marked by the unfortunate and sudden passing of angler Darren North from Bristol, a frequent visitor to Carrigallen for both pleasure and match fishing.

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Before the ceremony, Cllr Paddy O’Rourke, Chair of the Fishing Festival Committee, called for a moment of silence to honour Darren.

Cllr O’Rourke also commended staff at Mitchell’s Lounge and the ambulance personnel for their efforts to save Darren’s life.

Darren will be remembered with a memorial at next year’s festival.

Cllr O’Rourke went on to thank Leitrim County Council for its support through the Small Grants Scheme, the local landowners for providing access to the fisheries, Inland Fisheries and various businesses for their sponsorship.

Festival coordinator Paul Clarke and anglers’ representative expressed gratitude to the committee and suggested some improvements, including additional fishing stands at Town Lake, to enhance smooth running of future events.

This year's festival concluded on a poignant, yet successful note. As preparations begin for next year, Darren North will be honoured with a fitting memorial, ensuring his contributions to the festival are never forgotten.

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