Celtic Cup, Newry Canal

Outgoing NCFFI Float Team Manager, Vincent Walsh in conjunction with his counterparts in Scotland and Wales have come together to present the Celtic Cup this October. The event hosted by the Ulster Coarse Fishing Federation provides an opportunity to fish to international rule for youths, women, and seniors not currently on the world scene. Over two days the anglers will learn together about team fishing and all that is involved to take part in international competition, from the rules to bait and tactics. On Saturday 14^thand Sunday 15^th the seven teams of four (Ireland 3, Scotland 2 and Wales 2) will compete on the coalyard match stretch at the Albert Basin of the Newry Canal.

Newry Canal

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.

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.

The Venue

Known as O’Rourkes Coal yard the match stretch on the middle bank of the Albert Basin provides anglers with a safe environment with controlled vehicular access and parking.

Catches will be mainly roach and hybrids with the bonus bream. This month bags of roach to 18kilos have been seen in match conditions.

In the interests of bio-security all anglers will be required to attend the Loughs Agency dip station to wash their equipment prior to fishing.

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.

Teams

Ireland

Phil Hartin Robbie Smithers

Johnny Bailey Caolan King

Aaron Hutchman Mary Tigwell

John Collins John Mulligan

Luke Tully Deimante Karaliunaite

Brian Clark James Wellwood

Manager: Vincent Walsh
Scotland

Derek McAulay James Dornom

Derek Brady Scott Laird

Ewan Weed Barry Young

Peter Dick Josh Trueman

Manager: Gus Brindle
Wales

Si Greening Si Pickering

Gareth Roberts Matt Powell

Rob Taylor Euan Luke

Steve Roberts Ty Woods

Iain Swanson

Manager: Ben Roberts