Dermott's debut delight at Home Internationals

Liz Dermott from Portadown celebrates with Brian Kerr after landing a 12lb trout at the ladies flyfishing Home Internationals.

A trout caught at just over 12lbs marked a tournament record and provided Dermot with a dream debut on duty with Ireland.

Dermott entered the event having captured the Top Rod prize at last year’s Disabled Anglers’ International. She suffered a spinal infusion injury in 2000 and took up flyfishing thanks to support from her husband, with Mark Dermott on the international panel providing fly-tying assistance.

Ireland joined host nation Scotland, plus England and Wales for the ladies’ flyfishing international in Perthshire.

Dermott’s rainbow trout was landed thanks to help from her boatman, Brian Kerr.

The 12lb-plus haul was caught on an Irish stimulator fly at the Carron Valley fishery.

Another angler from Portadown, Cheryl James, was first reserve for the Ireland panel and made the trip to Scotland as part of the international party to gain experience.

Ireland finished as overall runners-up on 49 fish - with Scotland collecting gold thanks to 71, followed by England and Wales.

The international squad enjoyed a pre-tournament boost with a reception hosted by the president of Ireland, Michael D.Higgins.

“The ladies’ international is fished on a catch-and-release basis with all fish caught, measured and returned to the water safely,” said a spokesperson for the Ireland squad. “Many species of birds and game were sighted on the water, with the ospreys giving daily showings of their fishing skills and catching their own fish for lunch in front of the hard-pressed competitive anglers.

“Many of the Irish anglers recorded catching many powan fish over the course of the international but they were not allowed to measure in the overall fishing bags of the competition.

“The scenery was spectacular and hospitality in true Scottish style, with the strains of “Flower of Scotland” being piped from the shoreline as the boats left with the anglers from the four competing countries.”

Thanks to Fulling Mill Premier Fishing Flies for sponsorship support.

For further information on the sport contact the Irish Ladies’ Flyfishing Association via www.irishladiesflyfishing.com.