Opportunity for women to be introduced to flyfishing in Midlands

AN exciting opportunity, for women interested in learning about flyfishing, will be happening at the Laois Angling Centre near Portlaoise on August 30^th 2025.

The event has been 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.

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.

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.

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Anne Kerrin, Chair of the Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association said, ‘This is an amazing opportunity for women to learn about flyfishing. The benefits of angling have been known for a long time but it's been a well-kept secret. To be outdoors with nature surrounding you, in beautiful places, really gives a boost to your health and well-being.

“The physical aspects of fly fishing, for example, wading through streams, casting, scrambling five miles along a river bank, maybe rowing a boat, and sometimes hiking to remote locations are definitely exercises to work your inner core,” she added.

“It’s known that physical activity releases endorphins which are the body's natural mood lifters, as they help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. The gentle, low-impact nature of fly fishing makes it accessible to many across all ages, and is a perfect way to release those endorphins.

“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.

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

Maddy Kelly from Co. Down, PRO for the ILFA and International President for 2025 said, “I’ve fished at Laois Angling Centre several times and have found it to be an excellent venue for people new to flyfishing. It is very well located just off the M7 near Portlaoise and is easily accessed from all points of the compass. I’m hoping that women from all four provinces will be interested in attending.

“Fly fishing is meditative. I’ve 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 angler is fully present and aware of the moment. I know from personal experience that fly fishing looks after my own well-being.

“Most anglers join angling clubs and through that become involved in the conservation management of waterways because they understand that the health of local aquatic ecosystems is an important element of their hobby. Hopefully women who attend our beginners day will become interested in looking after their local waterways.”

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.

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 including one at Straid Fishery in Co. Antrim beginning Saturday September 7^th. Information available from Maddy Kelly at proirishladiesflyfishing@gmail.com 

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