I first started tying flies over 20 years ago. My first attempts were so crude that I nearly gave up on the spot. Ever tried to wax floss silk? Believe me it doesn’t work! The reference books of the time were sometimes helpful, and sometimes frustrating as they did not answer my questions. What I needed was guidance and influence. This came in the form of Joe Mc Donald who was “The Fly-tier” in my hometown of Omagh. I often stood in the fishing tackle shops and admired his rows of Shrimp patterns, they were like soldiers on parade. I had now found the way ahead so I happily tied Shrimp patterns for years. Catching an odd fish now and again gave me the encouragement I needed to continue.

I thought I could tie flies until in December 2000 I had a telephone conversation with Peter Dunne (the finest fly-dresser Ireland has ever produced) about the first ever Irish Open Fly-Tying Championship. With Peter’s encouragement I entered the competition and later, was thrilled when I was contacted and told that I had won the All Ireland section of the Championship. This was the turning point in my fly-tying career, and now I was hungry to learn more. This came sooner than I expected when I had the opportunity to attend the first ever Classic Salmon Fly workshop to be held in Ireland by Mr. Marvin Nolte, USA. The workshop was organised by FlyTying Ireland and took place in the lovely village of Durrow near the end of May, 2001. During that glorious weekend we all tied three flies, the Thunder and Lightning; Silver Doctor, and the Green Highlander. I still look at these flies today as inspiration albeit with a more critical eye.

The following year back in Durrow I had the good fortune to meet a certain “Paul Little” who I regard as one of the most talented and meticulous fly-dressers in the world today. I look at Marvin, Paul and Peter as the three wise men. I have learned a great deal from each of them and will forever be indebted for their sound advice, constructive criticism, and continuous encouragement.
I have been fortunate to meet some fantastic people through fly-dressing including our very own Ted Malone. Ted has also been of great encouragement to me as well as an immense source of fly tying knowledge; and as a friend, for all this I thank him sincerely.
I have also had the pleasure of tying flies at this years British Fly Fair where again I met some fantastic fly-dressers from all over the world. To each and everyone one of them I send greetings and look forward to seeing them all once again next year at the British Fly Fair.

Finally to my wife Caroline and daughter Holly, thanks for being so tolerant and letting me travel all over the place tying flies. Your love and support mean more to me than you know.

Graciously yours,

Peter Kealey.