Welcome to the 30th SAMF Daiwa Irish Pairs Prize Presentation.

INTRO

30 years!  For some of us its nearly half a lifetime; others have yet to make 30 and some of our veterans passed the 30 years mark 40 years ago!

For this centenary year it’s a special welcome to all – young and old.

It is also good to see a few partners and wives. Most of which, I am sure are not brought along just for a lovely holiday, but as a very important extra pairs of hands to forage in the mud of Blennerville and Milltown for our most precious of baits – the revered harbour ragworm.

A warm welcome to you all.

We have seen many changes to the competition over the years. The Sea Anglers Match Federation pioneered catch and release, firstly by weighing the fish before returning to the sea and latterly and more popular to a measure and return system; a system which has now been adopted by the majority of competition anglers throughout the UK. We have done much at The Pairs to lead the way and I know many of you still gain the greatest pleasure and satisfaction in seeing your specimen fish swim away for another day. But it doesn’t have to be a specimen; it could be your first mullet or ray, it could be a particularly sporty schoolie which gave you heart seizure on a size 3 nordic bend in the crashing surf; it could simply be a 10cm turbot which saved you from a blank. They are all part of the story, and large or small, they all feature as part of our sport.

We have seen many changes around the Peninsula; 30 years ago Dingle had been minding its own business…..then the anglers came. First at The Skelligs, then Dun An Oir; then a move to Wine Strand and the Smerwick Harbour Hotel and finally we arrived into Dingle itself. Our hosts Nettie and Kathleen at The Dingle Bay Hotel reminded us the ‘Craic’ is not just a man-thing; far from it and many an Englishman has fallen by the wayside in a vain attempt to keep it up!

Whilst, I look back with great fondness over the last 20 years I have been coming to The Pairs, I must also look forward to how we may shape the future.  Attendances at The Pairs have remained extremely solid and this year in particular we have a great mix of keen youngsters and old stalwarts. We also have a strong Irish contingent, which I hope continues to grow.

We have all made some great friends over the years and the week is not just a week to race around with our fishing rods; it is a once a year opportunity to catch up with our friends from around the UK and Ireland and to share the Craic; we land and lose far more fish in the bar than on the beaches with the advantage of staying out of the wind and rain and of course can wash the tale down with a Guinness or two.

With the 30 year anniversary in our minds, and despite the famous dour grumbling from Mr Hornby, it is probably with a degree of divine intervention that the results of this years Pairs competition demonstrates that age is no handicap.

Indeed over the years I have heard some famous grumbles and how many times have I heard ‘this is my last year’ – and yet, you come back for more.  As Michael Dixon has demonstrated – he can indeed catch more fish than the Irish gnome I presented him when he announced his last year!

Now Michael, it seems all my endeavours were wasted last year. Do you recall my limerick honouring your support and final year:

Mick and Tony, our friends from Dublin,

Have finally thrown the towel in,

Mick says “It’ll be bliss”,

“A whole week on the piss”

And no more fecking bait-diggin!

Yet you’re back again and it seemed I wasted my time and creativity so here’s a re-write:

It seems I may be seeing an apparition,

Or is it that Michael cannot give up his fishin’

A promise never to return,

With his friend Tony Byrne,

Another presentation prize, you must be wishin’

So old timers, enough of this nonsense of your “last years”. Life is too short to never say never!

Michael and Tony, I have something for you.

 THE WEEK

Bookings for 2011, like 2010, started very slowly, but the pace picked up and this year in particular, entries arrived promptly and by the end of April, numbers were looking good. By August Bank Holiday we had an increase on 2010 with numbers looking around 65 ½ pairs. The usual late changes of arrangement and partners, I decided to make the draw for 72, with 8 zones of 18 to keep the competition close and with the help of Mark Aldred we sorted the draw and packed the envelopes. Is it won or lost on the draw – I think not!

There are many other factors that come into play; however it is the weather which dictates how the venues fish. It is undoubtedly the key factor.

At the Pairs, anglers need the ability to change tactics as the venues dictate; even more important here on the Peninsula, when conditions can change by the hour and with a greater variety of species to target on most venues, experience does play a large part in the outcome. Yet, things move on and every year or so another angle arrives, a few years ago it was gars and now we have single harbour rag at range for small wrasse. For me, Ireland is still very responsive to the thinking angler. So seeing the younger lads coming through with new ideas is refreshing. It is good for our sport and is good for the Pairs.

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The time now is 10 past 11 on Thursday morning and as I tap away on my keyboard my next task is to consider who deserves those phallic beauties which are so kindly and specially made and donated by past attendee. Bob Sherman:

I have had my spies out but stories of mayhem and foolishness appear to be thin on the ground but all is not lost…my first tale is entitled:

Penis Fear:

I am informed that after his award last year, one of our competitors developed a phallic phobia; so intense was this phobia, he carefully avoided tricky situations, meticulously remembering all tackle and bait for match days. He kept the lowest profile. That rare and scarring condition of Penis Fear had clearly set in. His friends became worried and sought advice; there is only one cure – a phallic sweetie – Justin Hawskley – with friends like yours: this is your life!

Long John’s!

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The Dingle Disco has often produced some exceptional and some unexceptional behaviour. This year we have two awards arising from the usual drink fuelled foolishness honouring behaviour of the worst order:

Firstly,

The ‘Knob-head’ Peaceprize.

This is awarded to individuals posing a threat to the usual and exceptionally good Anglo/Irish relations. It may have been just good fun and banter amongst the youngsters, but not necessarily good publicity for the Pairs; and certainly lacks decorum. So for having a drunken public dust-up come forward Keiran & Karl Fogarty, and to Darren Bond. Three dicks you are!

Poser of the Week

This is awarded for public vanity of the highest order. Is it really necessary to take your top off and flex your pec’s on the dance floor?

Darren Bond – you are making this a habit!

Double Shot Dick and Wuss of the Week

Most of us are usually somewhat thrilled to get a double shot, particularly when the fishing gets tough. This double shot however is a mixture of simple stupidity and lack of any form of sensible and logical thought for the first offence and the second poses the question: Are you sure this is the sport for you?

I will expand:

On Day 2 Darren Smith’s wife in Worthing answers the phone and the caller asks to speak with Darren. “I only need to know what zones A-D are on Day 2” the caller explains. Darren’s wife politely points out that Darren is indeed in Ireland not at home as he too, not surprisingly, is at The Pairs! Oops!

Now not many of us get a chance to catch many Stingrays, and I am sure that most of us would have given our right arm for one yesterday. However, it seems our recipient was somewhat reluctant to get involved when the stinger took his bait! It has been reported that not only did our man Dick not want to un-hook the fish, he did not want to go near it to measure it and he request some-else returned the fish to water.

Gary ‘Stinger’ Hazelgrove – a pressie for you!

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Before I move on to my round up of the week, I would like to take a few moments out and invite you all to raise your glasses and remember a few past entrants of The Pairs no longer with us: I’ll mention a few, but by no means is this an exhaustive list:

Alistair Craig, Albert Marshall, Nigel Robinson, John Browning,

Mick Tierney, Terry Rothery, Alan Gilbert ….....

Toast:          ‘To Passed Pairs’:

Day 1:

Ventry and Cappaclogh:

Unlike last year Ventry did produce some good bags of dogfish and the usual mix of bits and pieces. One or two anglers did struggle with getting gear back and it is interesting to note there are worrying concerns about a new invasive weed from Japan, very stringy and with the appearance of a fir tree branch. Is this the beginning of a problem?

Cappaclogh produced, but as usual it wasn’t easy. A mixture of fish and a demonstration by Darren Bond on how to wrasse-bash – as if we haven’t got enough to learn

Day 2:

So far so good, no changes to the match plan. Rossbeigh and Bana Strand were clear, although we had that stiff SW pushing up the surf. Both venues produced and JP Molloy gave us a lesson in bassing in the surf at Bana.

Day 3:

All eyes were on the weather and there was no escaping – Inch was going to be a no-no. Force 7-8, gust 9 SW to W, veering later in the afternoon. Big pow-wow at The Marina Inn and the decision was made to fish Bealbawn and re-fish Cappa. The Zone allocation was selected by the toss of a coin. Bealbawn, was really tough, but there was a sprinkling of fish. Cappa, remained as Cappa is and again, those that knew how took the advantage and bashed the wrasse. Weed can be an issue at Cappa, but it can be overcome with a bit of tactical thought and as usual the gutter produced the bulk of the catches.

Finally, one last note about the weather. I think this has been one of the most blustery Pairs we have had for a long time and subsequently the rock fishing has been tricky. But, as usual, perseverance wins through and all specimen targets have been achieved.

Only one grumble for the week. Bagging up rubbish and disposal in trade bins. I have received complaints from Trident Homes about rubbish at the Courtyard. I did poster up concerns earlier in the week and did check this morning. The problem seems to be a change of bin provision by The Courtyard owner. There is inadequate bin provision for us at The Courtyard and I have made a complaint accordingly, but because of inadequate bin provision bait papers etc have been put in the dry recycling bin which the waste contractor has refused to take and has charged for. Trident will look into the lack of bin provision, however, please do not use the recycling bins for general waste. Whilst this rumbles on can you please make special efforts to leave the Cottages as found. I will endeavour to achieve an improved waste solution at The Courtyard for next year.

THANKS

As usual before I get to the actual presentation of prizes there are a few thanks to individuals, organisations and businesses who assist in making the Pairs a great week.

Firstly, our main sponsors Daiwa, who supply a considerable amount of tackle for the Prize Table – this year, we have from Daiwa Sports over £8,500 retail value of quality tackle and prizes.

Dingle Harbour Lodge and the Courtyard, through Trident Homes provide us quality accommodation at very favourable rates. We pass much of this discount to the anglers and the rest is donated to the prize fund. This year we have booked 24 cottages through the Competition Entry Forms, which is the highest number ever. Thanks for this support, which truly helps the event and, of course, my negotiating position with Trident.

Unfortunately, SAMF has had to bow out of Sponsorship again this year, however, it has provided the Insurance for the event.

This year, as the average entry age becomes ever higher, and the competition gets even stiffer, we again have a veteran’s prize or better known as ‘The Old Git’s Comp’. This year it has again been sponsored by Old Git, Dave Himsworth. Thanks, Dave for your sponsorship and putting up two rods for the best performance for the Best Veteran Pair with an aggregate age of 115 or greater.

Mal Scullion of BassBoots.Co.Uk contacted me earlier in the year to get involved with some sponsorship for 2011. The best Bass of the week wins a pair of his Bassboots. We are most grateful to Mal for this and if you haven’t yet, give his product a look – it is the Rolls Royce amongst chest waders. I believe Mal wants to say a few words:

Many of you I know have been enjoying the hospitality at our Headquarters ‘Paudie’s and Nettie, Kathleen and their fantastic crew have done a fabulous job in keeping anglers fed and watered or allowing them to drown their sorrows as the case maybe – thanks again Nettie, Kathleen and everyone at Paudies.

Thanks also to Mark Aldred for helping with the draw preparation and prize tagging and to Eugene Farrelly for saving us a trip and assessing Bana Strand on Sunday.

Moving on to your all important Match Committee: Jim, Ian, Alan and Darren; they do give up a lot of their week to vet the week’s venues and to ensure the beaches are pegged. The results are sorted and posted. As usual - a first class team - thanks lads – without your help the week would simply not happen.

Lastly, on a personal note I would like to thank my wife Susan for her support throughout the year and the competition week for simply keeping my back free and putting up with my often frazzled temperament!

Thank you Susan

PRIZES

Before I move on to the formal Presentation, it is customary to continue with my special prizes, in the form of some more phallic sweeties for those of you who seem to take conservation in matches to the limit by not catching fish.  This year I am awarding the dicks to 10 of you who have taken fish conservation to another level: so 10 double blankers come forward:

Tony Lewthwaite, Gerald Absolom, Dick Able, John Dixon, Neil Stewart, Mike Kerr, Martin McGowan, Billy McGarva, Martin Grossman, Steve Nicholson

Thanks again to Bob Sherman for donating the Dicks.

SPECIMEN POOLS

Eeach wins 110 euros

BEST SPECIMEN OF THE WEEK CAUGHT IN PEGGED MATCHES [at the Organisers discretion]

Tie on 41 cm flounders – Tony Byrne & David Falk who split prize

LONGEST FISH CAUGHT IN THE PEGGED MATCHES

72cm Bull Huss caught at Ventry by Kevin Barber

MOST SPECIES CAUGHT IN THE DAIWA SPECIMEN HUNT COMPETITION [includes the 3 Pegged Matches].

4 fish: Steven Glynn

SAMF QUALIFIERS

Rob Neale, Richard Burrows, Mark Aldred, Alan Smith, Nick Haward

PAIRS DAY WINNERS:

Winning £200 plus Trophy for winners, £150 for Runners-up & £100 for 3^rd. placing.

DAY 1

                                                                               Pts.          Ozs.             No.Fish

      3^rd.          Steven Glynn/Tony Royal                      7          227.5                    12

      2^nd.        Steve McNichol/Dave Little                       6          165                       13

1^st.          Darren Bond/Colin Carey                          5          186.5              21

DAY 2

3^rd.     Paul Tuck/Steve McAdam          6          132.5           14

2^nd.    Paul Molyneaux/Dave Roe          3          199              23

1^st.          Darren Bond/Colin Carey       2          228.5           16

DAY 3

3^rd.     John Ryder/Budge Booker          5          102              8

2^nd.    JP Malloy/Sean Ivory                    4          178.5           7

1^st.     Mike Groves/Andy Dawkins          4          218.5           8

JOHN BROWNING TROPHY

(For the best individual performance at Inch):

JP Molloy – 6 fish – 147.5pts           wins Memorial Shield

BEST INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE

(Sponsored by, Trident Homes and DAIWA Sports. Prize table for top ten placings).

                                       Pts.          Ozs.          Fish  

10^th.   Paul Stevens                   11          118.5          18

   9^th.     Noel Fogarty                   11          130.5          17

8^th.     Ged Stevens                  11          252          18

7^th.     Budge Booker               10          141          11

6^th.     Colin McInery                 8          299.5          20

              5^th.     Dave Roe                         8          382          25               

4^th.     Kevin Barber                   7          279.5          30

3^rd.     Mike Groves                   7          385.5          20

    2^nd.    JP Malloy                         7          420.5          16     

Overall Winner: Darren Bond – 6pts  - 271.5 32 fish

wins free cottage for 1 week for 2012 event sponsored by Trident Homes

OLD GITS’ COMPETITION

 (or the ‘115+ Club’ for the best veteran performance - sponsored by David Himsworth and the Dingle Bay Hotel

Each wins Isla Coupar Grange 3 piece 11’ spinning rod and complimentary accommodation and meal at The Dingle Bay Hotel):

Budge Booker and John Ryder 24 points and 284.5ozs.

TEAMS OF 4

(Bealbawn and Cappaclogh)

4^th.     Dave Hutchinson, Andy Young                                                21points

          Andy Dawkins & Mike Groves wins 200 euros                       

3^rd.     Paul  Stevens, Darren Newland                                             20 points

          Colin Carey & Darren Bond 320 euros                                                             

          Kevin Barber & Peter McGroary wins 480 euros

1^st.   Randell Dimery, Baz Barrett                                                      18 points

          Neil Tyrell & Ronan Doherty wins 680 euros

(Each wins either 7HT or SL20SH)

Dab                                 31cm                     Steve Smith

      Pollack                            72cm                           Scott McNicol

Flounder                          46cm                     Colin Carey

Mullet                                   54cm                     P Taylor

                 Wrasse - tied 3 ways so is eliminated from Nominated Species Comp.

Bass                                                               Not caught

Bullhuss                             107cm                 Chris Nelms

Thornback Ray                   57cm                     David Bell

Painted Ray                         60cm                     JP Molloy

Conger                            153cm                 Graham Clark

Best Flatfish of Week – wins STB 115SB bass rod

Flounder 48cm [106%] to Paul Stevens

Best Roundfish of Week – we have a three wrasse, each measuring 50cm which is 111% of the specimen weight, which is also the fish of the week, so three equal prizes will be awarded

Organisers Fish of the Week – 50cm wrasse

Each winner wins a 7HT and a SL05H and a bass boots Daiwa Pairs 2011 tee shirt.

Scott McNicol, Noel Fogarty, Kevin Hewitt

SAMF DAIWA IRISH PAIRS - (Top 25 placings)

                                                          Pts.          Ozs.          Fish  

25^th.   Ian and Kevin Daley                                       45          230          23          Daiwa leader

24^th.   Mark Bowden/Taylor Salerno                        45          244          25          Daiwa leader

23^rd. Randell Dimery/Baz Barrett                             45          280          26          Tourn. Line

22^nd.   Steve Smith/Tom Whitehead                          44          300          25          Polo’s/line

21^st.   Paul Tuck/Steve McAdam                               44          301          22          Sw’shirt/line

20^th    Ian Hewitt/Jim Gross                                      44           309          37          Hoodies/line

19^th.   Gary Calderwood/Vic Roberts                      42          223          30          Hoodie/wmr

18^th.   Andy Hornby/Barry Critchley                         38          281          30          Fleeces/wmr

17^th    Ged Stevens/Gareth Griffiths                            38          350          33          Ruck/rig wallet

16^th.   David Falk/Gary Hazelgrove                          37          303          26          Rucksack/line

13^th.   Karl & Kieran Fogarty                                     35          307          31          Soft sh/line

12^th.   Gary Morgan/Colin McInery                                 35          355          27          7HTs/rig wal

11^th.   Kevin Barber/Peter McGroary                    35          373          40          SL20SH/coolb

10^th.   Tommy & Noel Fogarty                                   32          228          28          SSS13Ms+quiv

9^th.     Rob Neale/Gavin Fogarty                               32          319          30          STB115SB’s

8^th.   Steven Glynn/Tony Royall                                    32          409          32          STB13M’s

7^th.     Andy Dawkins/Mike Groves                              31          515          27          STB13RGM’s

6^th.     Paul Stevens/Darren Newland                        30          292    48          HP Gortex smocks

5^th.     Ashley Sampson/Matt White                              30          384          33          £600 rig wal’s

4^th.     JP Molloy/Sean Ivory                                        30          480          21          £800 rig wals

3^rd.     Paul Molyneux/Dave Roe                                    28          511          41          £1000 rig wal’s

2^nd.    Budge Booker/John Ryder                                  24          284          31          £1500 rig wal’s

This years winners:

Winning £2500 plus STB13PM rods

1^st      Colin Carey/Darren Bond            21          480          43     

NEXT YEAR’S EVENTS

Next years dates will be posted formally on the web-site in the next couple of weeks but is likely to be the 1^st. week of October, but please check dates on web-site before booking your holiday week at work!

We have got a few ideas to move the Pairs into the future. The specimen sizes need a tweak and we are keen to spread the prize table further down the results board with a view to encouraging more anglers to The Pairs. Watch this space…

All that is left for me to say is: Thanks again for you terrific support and have a safe journey home.