Hi all, I watched this years celtic cup and as a veteran spectator of 4 celtic cups, 1 junior celtic cup, 1 six nations and 3 world champs I have to say that I can see the giant strides that have been made by the national team in the last few years. This augurs well for a successful world champs in September on the Spinadesco canal in Italy. Even though the teams were close after day 1 you could sense the relaxed spirit in the team that would eventually see them blitz the field on the 2nd day.
While there wasn't as many spectators as I would have thought for such a prestigious event I'm sure everyone who attended enjoyed themselves. I obviously have to mention the debut of big Woody who didn't look out of place in this elite company and if anything gave the impression of a veteran at this level. His enthusiasm is such that he rushed back from work to win the Monday night match on the island pond after fishing 9 of the previous 11 days what with practice sessions etc.
On another note I spent most of the Sunday behind Woody's peg where I was joined by the young Irish angler who had been dropped from the previous day (Connor Browne). It was great to talk fishing with him and I really appreciated his honesty as he told me he had made his international debut the day prior and found himself pegged next to none other than Jamie Masson. He said to himself "oh shit! ". His nerves were getting the better of him when he slipped and dropped all of his casters and badly sprained his arm. He also said that he spoke to Jamie after the all out and Jamie told him to come and see him after the match to show him his rigs etc. What else can be said about Jamie Masson that hasn't already been said? 9 carp down after an hour and on a peg that had struggled the previous day. As G.G said "He's not bad is he"?
Before I end can I say good luck to the juniors who are fishing the celtic cup at Bron Eiffon in Criccieth, Wales this weekend.
Del-boy
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