Date: 03/09/2018
Loughs Agency are pleased to announce that Northern Ireland is hosting the XVIII Commonwealth Fly-Fishing Championships 2018. The competition has been organised by the Trout Anglers Federation of Ireland is supported by Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, Loughs Agency and DAERA Inland Fisheries.
The visiting teams represent 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 & ladies). The event commenced at the Silverbirch Hotel on Sunday 2nd Sep 2018 where the opening ceremony took place.
Official practice sessions took place over the weekend and the competitors will take part in five highly competitive fly-fishing sessions on Tuesday 4th September, Wednesday 5th September and Thursday 6th September. Competition venues include 3 in the Foyle system in county Tyrone -Loughmacrory, Quiggery River, Dennett River – and two in county Antrim - Straid Fishery and Woodford Fishery.
The TAFI International Organiser and Northern Ireland Team Captain, Alan McDade said, “After two years of planning we 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 & 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.”
Designated Officer of Loughs Agency, Sharon McMahon, said “Loughs Agency, as the responsible body for angling in the #Foyle and Carlingford areas, are delighted to welcome this international event. Our river systems offer some of the best fly fishing opportunities and I’m confident that the competitors will have a wonderful experience during their visit.”
Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Howard Thornton, said, "I would like to extend a very warm welcome to the district to all the competitors and visitors attending the 18th biennial Commonwealth Fly Fishing Competition. 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.