The XVIII Commonwealth Fly-Fishing Championships 2018 is getting underway in Omagh.
The competition is supported by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Loughs Agency and DAERA Inland Fisheries.
Commonwealth Teams representing England (men and ladies), Scotland (men and ladies), Wales, Isle of Man, Canada (two teams), Australia (two teams), New Zealand, South Africa (men and ladies), Channel Islands and of course the host nation, Northern Ireland (men nd ladies), will assemble in the Silverbirch Hotel on Sunday (September 2) for the opening ceremony.
Official practice sessions have been taking place.
Competitors will take part in five fly-fishing sessions this coming week. Competition venues include three in Tyrone – Loughmacrory (boat), Quiggery River, Dennett River – and two in County Antrim – Straid Fishery (boat) and Woodford Fishery (bank).
The Trout Anglers Federation of Ireland International Organiser and Northern Ireland Team Captain, Alan McDade said after two years of planning they are on the verge of delivering a world class fly fishing competition here in Northern Ireland for the first time.
“This was only made possible by the support given by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, excellent support from Loughs Agency, DAERA Inland Fisheries, Finore Anglers Association, Dennett Anglers Association, Loughmacrory and Murrins District Angling Association, Straid Fishery and Woodford Fly Fishery,” he said.
Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Howard Thornton, has welcomed all the competitors and visitors.
“This is the first time that the event has been held in Northern Ireland and we, in the Fermanagh and Omagh district area, are proud and delighted that, through this competition, we will be afforded the opportunity to showcase to an international audience the excellent fishing which is available in the Fermanagh and Omagh area,” he added.
