The most famous coarse fishing stretch of river in Ireland is hosting anglers from all over Europe on the bank holiday weekend in June for one of the best International fishing competitions staged on these islands.
For the 3rd year in succession, the event is being staged by the Lough Ree Angling Hub at the hot water stretch beside the ESB Lough Ree power station at Lanesborough on the Longford-Roscommon border on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of June.
With a cash prize of €3,000 this event is providing the largest cash prize pot for a three-day event on the Shannon system and the organisers have confirmed that 42 anglers from all over Ireland, the UK and abroad have already booked in to take part.
“When we organised the first competition on the June bank holiday three years ago we had to re-establish the reputation of our town and the local fisheries with the anglers of the world,” said Philip Gordon of the Lough Ree Angling Hub, who is Director of the festival. “Coarse fishing was stronger here in the 1980s and ‘90s but we have now worked hard with Inland Fisheries Ireland and have ensured that the fishing quality has now reached an exceptional level again.
“This year’s fishing was never better” Philip says. “We have had visitors from all over the world and once again we have encouraged our angling tourists to visit as many parts of the Longford and Roscommon fishing areas as possible while they are with us.”
The event begins on Friday, 2nd of June with a draw for stands at 8 am at St. Mary’s Hall in Lanesborough. More details of the fishing locations will be released in the coming days.
“We would like to extend our thanks to Bord na Mona and to both Longford and Roscommon County Councils who have come on board once again to help promote angling tourism” said Hugh Keane, Chairman of the Lough Ree Angling Hub. “Last year we hosted anglers from all over the world when we staged the World Predator boat championships and we have now proven that we can attract fishermen and women from 17 countries all over the globe.” Later in June the Lough Ree Angling Hub will host the new Lough Ree International Pike Classic, organised by Camlin & District angers, with two days of world class fishing on 24th and 25th of June. For details on either competition, please contact Debbie at 043-3321734 or email: loughreeanglinghub@gmail.com
