Peter O’Reilly
6th December 2018

The 10th Irish Fly Fair 2019
Dedicated to the memory of Peter O’Reilly

Over the years we have lost great friends and supporters of The Irish Fly Fair. In the past we have honoured the great Ted Malone, Lawrence Finny, and Linda Hotchkiss, all remembered by us all with great fondness. Late last year Ireland and angling lost one of its most famous sons Peter, who never missed The Irish Fly Fair until he became too ill. He gave casting demonstrations and helped teach the young and old the art of fly dressing for years not only at our event but in many events in the world.

Peter O’Reilly was a founder member of the Association of Game Angling Instructors in Ireland, and, an indication of his international standing, a vice president of the Wild Trout Trust in England. He also ran an angling school near his home in Navan, Co. Meath, and was a qualified angling instructor in both the US and the UK. Peter was well known throughout the world of fly fishing for his fantastic books on Irelands flies and fishing. He did so much for our sport and passion, and I have many personal fond memories. As Peter did so much for the development of angling. I think it’s fitting if we call The Irish Fly Fair Youth Fly Tying Competition, which is run for us by the marvellous APGAI -Ire team and Sponsored by Veniard, The Peter O’Reilly Fly Tying Competition.


Partridge, Cadence,  Fishpal, Veniard, Regal Vise, Ahrex Hooks & Semperfli Sponsors of The Irish Fly Fair 2023