‘THE FISHING that has taken place over the last five days will be a significant turning point in how angling in Ireland is viewed the world over,” said Colm Breheny of Fáilte Ireland at the conclusion of the Lakelands and Inland Waterways World Pairs Coarse Angling Championships in Counties Monaghan, Leitrim, Cavan and Fermanagh.

Phil Jackson and Cathal Hughes scooped the coveted title and a cheque for £30,000 (€37,531) and Daiwa tackle with a fantastic catch of 117.560kg over the five-day event. In true north-south spirit and co-operation, Jackson hails from Craigavon in Northern Ireland and Hughes from Galway….

Irish Times, 24/09/12. Read the article. ‘World Pairs Champs’

On coarse: World pairs coarse angling champions 2012 Cathal Hughes (left) and Phil Jackson (right) with John Martin, chief executive of Waterways Ireland.Photograph: John McVitty
On coarse: World pairs coarse angling champions 2012 Cathal Hughes (left) and Phil Jackson (right) with John Martin, chief executive of Waterways Ireland.Photograph: John McVitty