St Stephen's Day fishing competition on Offaly lake

A FINE crowd of over 30 hardy anglers young and old turned out to fish the Alo Lawlor Memorial Pike Fishing Competition on Pallas Lake on St Stephen's Day.

Tullamore man Alo Lawlor sadly passed away in September 2023 but his memory lives on in the angling community at Pallas Lake, in Tullamore, and indeed across the county and country.

Alo’s love for Pallas Lake saw him spending countless hours on projects maintaining and developing it for the fishing community and the wider public to enjoy and Pallas Lake Fishing Club members will be forever grateful for his contributions.

The Committee of Pallas Lake Fly Fishing Club thanked Antoinette Lawlor for presenting the prizes on the day to the winners on what turned out to be a fitting tribute to Alo, a fine fisherman and a friend to all at Pallas Lake.

Great banter and fishing was had throughout the day and some fine fish were landed. The first ever winner of the Alo Lawlor perpetual cup was Shane Donoghue with a fine bag of 32lb 1oz.

The winner of the heaviest fish was Christy Ryan with a beautiful fish of 23lb 12ozs and the winner of the Junior prize was Harry McDonagh with a bag of 14lb 12ozs.

The committee thanked all who turned out on a cold hardy St Stephen's Day.

The competition rounded off club activities on Pallas Lake for 2025 and all who supported the club/facility during the year were thanked.

The committee added: “We would like to extend our thanks to the ESB for their support during the year in particular Nuala Moloney (Manager, Community Relations and Sustainable Rivers) and Vito Romito (Fisheries Strategy Delivery Manager). The funding received for stocking of the lake was greatly appreciated, and your ongoing support with future projects is very much appreciated.

“Thank you to Cllr Neil Feighery for backing Pallas Lake Fishing Club every time whether it is relating to upgrading of access to the lake or assistance in applications for funding to keep the lake maintained. Neil was instrumental in the club being granted a €50,000 grant this year to carry out wide ranging studies of Pallas Lake and its environs which will be carried out over the coming year. These studies will help us learn more about the history, biodiversity, archaeology and environmental challenges facing Pallas Lake to allow the club to manage the lake and its surrounds in a sustainable way.

“A word of thanks to the adjoining landowners and neighbours is also due for your engagement and support in minding and maintaining the lake.

“Pallas Lake Fishing Club wishes all associated with Pallas Lake a Happy New Year and tight lines for 2026.”