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Teen anglers Zack Barnett from Porthall and Colm Coyle from Killygordon were part of the Irish Team that struck gold in the Four Nations International at Llandegfedd Reservoir in Wales this week.
The Youth International championship was won by Ireland, followed by Scotland, England and Wales.
This is the third consecutive win for the Irish team.
It was the first cap for Colm Coyle from Crossroads. He is a member of the double-winning lake and river Ulster Team 2022. He fishes in the River Finn and local fisheries. Colm is also a keen hunter and a member of the local gun club.
Colm Coyle
Zack Barnett
Deele College joined Zack in celebrating his latest success this week:
“From a young age Zack has had a passion for fishing, firstly for pleasure and then competitively. Not any method but the most skilful of all, Fly Fishing. He is an admired youth Angler by both all Ireland federations, The Irish Trout Fly Fishing Association and The Trout Anglers Federation of Ireland.
“The proof of his well-honed skills have resulted in him qualifying to fish internationally for both Federations.
“His skills have come from dedicated practice all year round, on a warm sunny day or on a cold and wet winter’s day. His dedication has paid personal dividends in the form of his achievements. He has, at his still young age, already been a member of two winning Ulster youth teams on both rivers and lakes. Last year he represented Ireland in Italy at the World River Championships and performed admirably.
“And now this year he has not just represented Ireland at the Four Nations Lake Championships but he has gone and won gold. With this gold success sees Zach and the Irish Team achieve an amazing 3rd consecutive win which has never been achieved by any nation since its inception.”
Last year, Zack and his fellow Deele Community Anglers member Fintan Kilpatrick from Convoy were formally recognised by Donegal County Council for their achievements in fly fishing.