Prestigious angling competition docks in Portglenone

Mid and East Antrim is preparing to welcome an influx of visitors next week during the FIPSed European Coarse Angling Championships.

The competition, which has been secured by Waterways Ireland and the Lower Bann Steering Group, will be held on the River Bann from June 24-30.

Teams representing eighteen nations will descend upon Portglenone to take part in the 25^th anniversary of the event.

It is expected to attract around 5,000 visitors to the area which means the event will be a winner for the local economy.

Chair of the Direct Services Committee, Councillor Cheryl Johnston, said: “Welcoming this competition to the borough is an excellent opportunity to showcase Mid and East Antrim as a fantastic location to visit.

“I hope its success will ensure further events can be attracted to our local rivers.

“This is also an opportunity for our business community to demonstrate to a wider audience the high standards that they deliver day after day.”

Significant investment from Waterways Ireland and the generosity of local landowners has led to the enhancement of the existing coarse fishing facility to support an angling event of this size.

The aim is that the associated “blueway” path that has been put in place will be a lasting legacy.

The first phase of the path development and 25 new angling stands was completed between Portglenone bridge and the start of the existing angling stands on the Mid Ulster Council shore just before December 2018.

Phase two will complete the project in time for the beginning of the tournament which will ensure the necessary number of fishing stands are available.