Casting Confidence: Women on the Fly in Ireland

Imagine the quiet buzz of anticipation in the air, the gentle ripple of water at your feet, and the rhythmic dance of a line cutting through the soft morning mist. If you've ever considered picking up a fly rod, there’s an event on the horizon that you won't want to miss. On August 30th, at the picturesque Laois Angling Centre near Portlaoise, the Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association (ILFA) is hosting a transformative experience designed just for women — a day dedicated to discovering the art and soul of fly fishing.

Setting the Stage: A Day of Discovery

From 11 am, women from across Ireland and beyond will converge at this pristine location for an event as much about bonding and empowerment as it is about fishing. The ILFA has meticulously crafted this day to cater to novices, offering not just lessons but an all-encompassing sensory exploration of nature at its best. As you approach the water's edge, imagine the kaleidoscope of greens and blues playing in the sunlight, urging you to temporarily leave behind the hustle of everyday life.

Guided by Expertise

Leading the charge in this endeavor are Dan O’Neill and Maddy Kelly, two titans in the fly fishing world. Dan, with his experience and nuanced understanding of Irish waters, aligns perfectly with Maddy Kelly, the dynamic president of the International Ladies Flyfishing Association. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to eager participants. Picture four intense yet exhilarating hours, your hand steady on the rod, learning the perfected craft of casting — a skill as much about finesse as it is about strength.

Anne Kerrin, chair of the ILFA, eloquently describes the understated benefits of angling: the profound embrace of wilderness, the physical engagement, and the mental rejuvenation that follows mastering this calming sport. It’s a day structured to unleash your inner angler — poised and ready to conquer waters both literal and metaphorical.

Beyond the Catch: Embracing Mindfulness and Community

Fly fishing extends beyond catching fish; it’s a mindfulness practice that fosters an intimate connection with nature. As Maddy Kelly shares her insights on fishing at the venue, she highlights the venue's harmonious blend of accessibility and natural splendor. “The focus required to cast a fly encourages a state of mindfulness,” she reflects, emphasizing the personal growth and wellbeing that participants can attain. This mindfulness doesn’t just reel in fish — it reels in community, discipline, and a deeper understanding of self.

Connecting with fellow anglers introduces participants to a broader community dedicated not just to fishing, but to the conservation of local waterways. It becomes a shared voyage of improving oneself while safeguarding the world we wade through.

A Call to Join

August's event is more than just a chance to learn — it’s a clarion call for women ready to interact with nature in a novel and invigorating way. It’s an invitation to stand beside sisters who reel in not just fish, but transformation and tenacity.

Are you ready to wade in? If the answer is a resounding yes, don’t hesitate to email Maddy Kelly at [email protected] to book your spot. This day promises not just to teach, but to uplift and inspire, offering a chance to be part of an empowering aspect of fishing history.

For those seeking more details, the original article by the seasoned Dan O’Neill is available here.

Ready to Cast New Lines?

At Girls Fish Too, we don’t just fish — we do so with fierce style and unwavering strength. Join us as we link arms and tackle waters previously untouched, instilling confidence and camaraderie with every cast. Together, let’s transform hesitation to action, unfolding our capabilities one line at a time. Because here, under the wide Irish sky, we move toward a future where every woman who wishes can tread these waters — wild, wet, and undeniably worth it.