70th celebration for club
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Boats departing for the perch bonanza competition.Image 2 of 5
Members and their families enjoying the barbeque and music.Image 3 of 5
Honorary member Eileen Smith, Competition Sponsor Noelle Lynsky, Honorary Club President Garry Kenny.Image 4 of 5
Members and their families enjoying the barbeque and music.Image 5 of 5
Tara Harte presenting the Adrian Harris Memorial cup to Philip Harte, 2026 May Fly competition winner with David Harris and Aaron King Club Chairperson.On July 11, Portumna & District Angling Association marked its 70th anniversary with a wonderful day of fishing, friendship and celebration, bringing together members, families and honorary members to celebrate the club's proud heritage.
The celebrations began with the annual Perch Bonanza Fishing Competition for both children and adults. The committee extends its sincere thanks to Hayes & Hayes Vital Pharmacy and Palmerston Stores, Liam Burke and John Hogan for generously sponsoring the competition prizes.
In the children's competition, Donnacha Harris claimed first place, followed by Emily Keane in second, while Justin Cimposino took third place and also won the Big Fish prize. In the adult competition, Tom Keane secured first place, Florin Cimposino finished second and won the Big Fish award, with Pat Warde taking third place.
Members then enjoyed a community barbecue, expertly prepared by long-standing club members Sean D. and Joan Gordon, before the presentation of the Adrian Harris Memorial May Fly Cup. This year's winner was Philipe Harte, with the trophy presented by Adrian's daughter, Tara Harte. David Harris finished in second place, with Joe Harding taking third.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, special edition 70th anniversary club hats were presented to Honorary President Garry Kenny, honorary member Eileen Smith, and caretaker Billy Patterson in recognition of their longstanding commitment to the club.
Garry reflected on the origins of the association and its 1956 founding members: Des Gordon, Jack Cox, Jimmy Laing, Louis Gordon, Frank Claffey, D.J. Kearns; while David Harris shared a brief history of the club and its achievements over the past seven decades.
The evening concluded with a lively singalong, with music provided by The Gordon Sisters, Michelle and Fidelma, creating a fitting end to a memorable celebration.
The committee would like to thank everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored prizes and helped make the 70th anniversary such a special occasion, ensuring the rich tradition of angling, boating and community spirit in Portumna continues for generations to come.