I know that there is already a thread on the World Cup on Mask, but I felt that this story deserved one all of its own.

96 year old Tom Ketterick from Ballina qualified during Fridays heat that was held in gale force conditions. He now fishes in Mondays final and I hope he wins it....what a story that would be. People may remember Tom as he had Ghillied for many years from Padraic Kelly's in Cloghans on the shores of Lough Conn. I am delighted to say that Tom is in great health, still driving(80 years accident free), still betting, playing cards and obviously still catching fish. Tom is one of lifes real gentlemen and it is fantastic that he still has the health to keep doing all his favourite things.

There is hope for the rest of us yet....that gives me another 60 years to regain the Cup if only I was not so fond of some of lifes other pleasures

JB
www.kellykettle.com

Great news!!... Whats his secret?? let me guess?... 80 fags a day and Fry -up's!! ??... Best of luck to him in the comp!!

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Before you cast the fly, make sure you can handle the fish! Vuoi imbrogliare? Poi Non competere! (If you want to cheat, then dont compete)

Well done Tom. Brilliant to see.

And I bet he doesnt go to the gym.

OO

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Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrate
YOU DONT NEED EYES TO SEE YOU NEED VISION

Yes very well done tom I bet I know the secret and lods of it I'm rootin for you m8.

Alan

Well done Tom. 96 and still driving, betting and fishing, hope you haven't given up on the women and drink !!!

GB

Believe it or not, its apple tart and sweet tea!

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Confusious Say: "Upon seeing the shadow of a pigeon, one must resist the urge to look up"!

Well did Tom win,I bloody well hope so.

Jim

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The Fishermans Friend is the Flirty Fly,Fickle Food for Fleeting Fish.

I don't know Jim but I certainly hope so.

Alan

Unfortunately Tom had no luck on the final day....it was not for the lack of effort.....I blaim his ghillie, Mark Regan from the Corrib I hope he is a bit better at finding the fish on Menteith in a few weeks time.

To demonstrate Toms enthusiasm....he drove out to my house on Sunday to get a few flies and a couple of casts. When I put it to him that he was not just out for the good of his health he responded that he was out to win it. Oh to have that desire and confidence when I reach half his age.

As the Dibbler has pointed out, the man lives on sweet stuff. It is not uncommon for Tom to eat 5 or 6 deserts at a fishing function.

On Sunday he ate me out of a packet of Pink and Whites and a few Chocolate muffins.

Hes looking forward to next year already and heres' hoping that his health is still as good next year

I think Robby Creighton (owenabue Carrigaline )won it ,I dont have any more on it at the minute,
Corky