Celtic Cup Coarse Angling Competition coming to Newry Canal this weekend

The National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland, NCFFI are delighted to present the Celtic Cup angling competition this weekend, on the 14th and 15th of October. The Newry Canal, specifically the Albert Basin and the developed ‘coal yard’ match stretch is the venue for the Championships.

Vincent Walsh, former Float Team Manager in conjunction with his counterparts in Scotland and Wales have come together with the event designed to provide the opportunity to fish to international rule for youths, women, and seniors not currently on the world scene.

It's the biggest coarse angling event on the canal since the Home International of 2015.  Preparation and practice takes place over two days from Thursday 12th October when the anglers will learn together about team fishing and all that is involved to take part in international competition, from the rules to bait and tactics.  While the match itself takes place on Saturday and Sunday, with fishing from 11am to 3pm. All spectators are welcome.

The NCFFI worked with the Loughs Agency and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to open this middle bank venue to the coarse angler back in 2015 and their continued support for the event is welcomed. The angling facility compliments the various facilities in the canal area which includes the Newry Canal Way Walk.

Team Ireland will present three mixed teams of four selecting participants from those who have expressed interest for international competition previously and are keen to get involved. It is hoped that events such as these will encourage more to come forward.

Just over 40 years ago the canal hosted a World Championship event which saw England’s Kevin Ashurst win the individual gold. In these early years competitions were decided on large bags of bream, appearing intermittently along the venue. Now the fishing is more evenly distributed and in recent weeks the canal has been the choice of venue for several club events and practise sessions showing the excellent coarse fishing available with premium bags of roach to 18kg.

For more details and a list of the competing team members please visit the dedicated web page at https://www.ncffi.ie/celtic-cup-newry-canal.