24/05/2026
River Deele Youth Champion 2026
Sponsored by FROG CIC
TAFI Ulster Youth River Qualifier 26
Well what a wonderful day that turned out to be for our organisation. An early morning start was required, as we put together the final elements for this event, which we have been organising in recent weeks with our youth committee, and club volunteers.
Our FROG CIC sponsored river competition, allowed us to also host the event as part the TAFI Ulster Youth River Qualifier for the upcoming selection of an Ulster Team that will go down to compete in the Inter-Pros in Connaught in late summer.
A huge congratulations to our new River and TAFI Ulster Youth Champion for 2026, Jamie Devlin, who has upped his game to a new level in recent months, coming out on top of the list today. Well done Jamie, an excellent effort. One place point separated the top 6 anglers today, work that one out!! Well we certainly did, after some effort, and on the 5th count.
Well done to young Moyola Angling Association Angler, Finlay Wilson who recorded a wonderful trout of 31cm to garb the bragging rights in regards to securing the longest trout prize. Well done young man.
It was also a delight to see the now experienced female youth angler, Erin Mc Closkey coming good on the second session. After what she described as the worst possible morning session, the determined Erin went on to secure top spot in her sector in the afternoon/second session, and in the process adding 7 measuring trout. It was also another sign of advancement to see Erin being controlled by female controller Trish Wilson. Well done to the both of you.
All at the club would like to thank FROG CIC for their ever present support of our youth development initiatives. A hefty €300 and more of sponsored gift vouchers for angling equipment being supplied for our young anglers today. Thank you folks.
A huge thank you to TAFI Ulster Youth Officers Ethan Ashe and Damien Wilson who were making their 3rd venture of the week to the river, to help set-out, train and oversee the running of the event, with our Club Officials today. Thank you lads for all the work this week.
Thank you to Mc Coys Cafe Convoy for the supply of hot food. We thoroughly enjoyed the feed of super grub.
Thanks also to all the landowners along the river Deele who are so accommodating and certainly deserve praise for their permission to access their lands. It was a delight to hear back words of support from landowners today. Thank you so much.
Our controllers certainly had a busy day of it, with 121 measuring trout recorded. Thank you so much for volunteering your time, and as always, thank you to all the parents/guardians who make it their business to get youth out to such events. It is a pathway they will thank you for in the years ahead, as the any form of outdoor recreation has major phycological positives.
Yours
Geradine Scott
Secretary
Deele Community Anglers CLG