Fishing contest raises £2,685 for charity funds

The competition, held at Kilgad Fishery near Kells, saw 24 fishermen from across the province take part to help raise vital funds the NI Children’s Heartbeat Trust.

Ian Rowan of Willowbreeze emerged winner on the day, followed by Cathal Cleary in second place, Chris Martin in third and Gary McFadden taking fourth place.

The award for heaviest fish of the day went to Anthony McCormick.

Ian also won the George Connell Memorial Trophy, as well as the Children’s Heartbeat Shield. The George Connell Memorial Trophy was donated by the Connell family in memory of their father, who was a very keen fisherman.

The nominated charity is one Ian holds dear, as his young son Dylan had to have major heart surgery last year when he was only three weeks old. Ian dedicated his win to Dylan, who is now 13 months old and doing well.

“We would like to thank everyone who donated prizes and helped raise this fantastic sum,” Ian said.

“A special thanks goes out to Tina Turner, who owns Kilgad Fishery, for kindly donating the entire lake for the whole event,” Ian said.