The National Coarse fishing Federation are delighted to host the return of the Coarse Angling Home Internationals with Newry, Northern Ireland being the chosen location.  The NCFFI have been working with Newry, Mourne & Down Council and the Newry Coarse Fishing Club to open the O’Rourke’s Coalyard section of the canal to anglers and are pleased that the Team Managers have chosen this as the venue.  A new format has been introduced to the championships giving the less experienced anglers the opportunity to compete.  Under new rules the teams of seven  will consist of 2 x current internationals (World or European Championships), 2 x new anglers or U25’s and 3 x others.

The format will see top international anglers to include former world champions Scotthorne and Will Raison fish along side aspiring juniors and non-internationals from the four home nations.

Newry is located in the south east of Northern Ireland on the borders of Counties Down and Armagh.  A modern town with a long and distinguished history today it is one of the country’s foremost shopping destinations with an array of traditional independent traders and multi-national retailers, which combine to provide great shopping opportunities. Hill Street in the heart of Newry is the focal point for shopping and holds a market every Thursday and Saturday. This the town’s main shopping street provides a fine range of family owned businesses. Modern, extensive shopping and entertainment complexes include  The Quays and Buttercrane Centres. The town that was built on its trading traditions today still provides some of the best shopping in Ireland.

Newry has a vibrant nightlife with excellent restaurants and bars. It offers value for money cuisine, great entertainment and a relaxing atmosphere in its range of traditional bars, modern themed pubs and restaurants.

The Newry Canal was built to link the County Tyrone coalfields to the Irish Sea.  It was the first summit level canal to be built in Ireland or Great Britain.  The opening of the ship canal in 742 allowed tonnage of 5,000 to reach Newry and the town flourished.  However, the canal closed in 1936 and the harbour authority wound up in 1974 leaving the canal abandoned.

Nowadays the canal has re-opened for pleasure craft, the tow path provides for a cycle track and the surrounding area is a haven for wildlife and the coarse angler.

Known as O’Rourkes Coal yard the middle bank venue has recently been opened to the coarse angler and provides the anglers with a safe environment with controlled vehicular access and parking.

Catches will be mainly roach and hybrids with the bonus bream.

Spectators are welcome! The main entrance to the Albert Basin is opposite the Quays Shopping centre and provides for plenty of parking.  Pedestrian access is available at the inner gate with controlled vehicular access for competitors and officials only.