Angling Centre in the Midlands encouraging women to try flyfishing

THE Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association (ILFA) is on a mission to get more women out enjoying flyfishing and to increase the percentage of women on the shores and banks of Irish waterways.

The last opportunity in 2025, for women interested in learning about flyfishing, will be happening at Laois Angling Centre near Portlaoise on November 1^st 2025.

Organised by the Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association (ILFA). It begins at 11am and will include a short indoor session followed by four hours of casting instruction and practice outside.

Angling has always been seen as a male-dominated sport, but more women from a range of backgrounds are becoming interested and for good reason. Fishing can help women boost their self-esteem and confidence levels.

The course is aimed at beginners or novice anglers aged over 18 and all equipment will be provided.

No experience is necessary but booking is essential. To receive a booking form, please email the PRO Maddy Kelly proirishladiesflyfishing@gmail.com

Women will be travelling from all over Ireland to take part and full joining instructions will be sent to those who book.

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Dan O’Neill from Kilkenny who is an APGAI Qualified Fly-Casting Instructor will be the lead instructor. He will be assisted by Maddy Kelly from Co. Down who is the current President of the International Ladies Flyfishing Association representing Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.

Anne Kerrin, Chair of the Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association said, “Fishing is the perfect hobby because fish live mostly in beautiful places and the water, the fish, and the wildlife all combine to make angling a source of peace and relaxation in natural surroundings.

“It not only gives the angler time to unwind and to take in nature’s tranquility, but it also gives the opportunity to observe and to interact with the natural environment. It really is of great benefit to mental health because it is the perfect mindfulness exercise as it requires concentration, patience, attention to the surroundings and attention to what is happening in the moment helping to improve focus and distract from worries.

“Flyfishing is especially good as the physical aspects of it, for example, wading through streams, casting, scrambling five miles along a river bank, maybe rowing a boat, and sometimes hiking to remote locations are exercises to work your inner core.

“Learning and mastering the skills of fly fishing - from understanding aquatic environments to tying flies and refining casting techniques - provides a sense of achievement and personal growth. This aspect of fly fishing can boost self-esteem and confidence, contributing positively to mental health.

“I hope that this encourages women to think about trying out flyfishing. All equipment will be provided and participants just need to wear warm clothes and to bring waterproofs.”

The Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association is a national organisation that encourages women to take up flyfishing and runs a league of four trials annually to select a team to represent Ireland at the Ladies International Flyfishing Championships.

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Maddy Kelly from Co. Down, PRO for the ILFA and International President for 2025 said “It will be great to be back at Laois Angling Centre running another event to introduce women to flyfishing. It is an excellent venue for people new to flyfishing as it is very well located just off the M7 near Portlaoise which makes it readily accessible.

“Fly fishing is meditative. I have attended several courses on Mindfulness and have carried out the practice. The focus required to cast a fly, watch the water, and anticipate the movements of the fish encourages a state of mindfulness where the fly fisher is fully present and aware of the moment. I know from personal experience that fly fishing looks after my own well-being.

“I found this quote from the mid-nineteenth century which was made by avid fly-fisherman and physician James A. Hensall, MD. He may never have heard the term mindfulness but he knew for sure what he was describing.

‘Fly-fishers are usually brain-workers in society. Along the banks of purling streams, beneath the shadows of umbrageous trees, or in the secluded nooks of charming lakes, they have ever been found, drinking deep of the invigorating forces of nature—giving rest and tone to over-taxed brains and wearied nerves—while gracefully wielding the supple rod, the invisible leader, and the fairylike fly.’

“It really is a secret that has been known for a long time but mostly by men. However, women are now catching on and they are making their way to river banks rod in hand. Hopefully women who attend our introductory day will discover the secret.”

For more information about the Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association or to take part in this event please email Maddy Kelly PRO at proirishladiesflyfishing@gmail.com

There are other events throughout Ireland for women who wish to learn to flyfish. Information available from Maddy Kelly at proirishladiesflyfishing@gmail.com .

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