Recently the World Championships Predator boat fishing competition was fished on Lough Ree. Michael Flanagan tells us he was down for a few days.  He reports:

I teamed up with Cian McCormack of R.T.E. and we did a spot of filming on the lake prior two the championships. Also Ear to the ground were on hand one day, and that’s for another day as they say.  Anyway the day I spent with Cian was priceless, and we had some crack in the boat. Cian is originally from the Athlone area and has big contacts in and around the Jolly Pigeons area I am told. We are planning another day out on the Midland lakes, and will keep you posted on this.

Cian McCormack of RTE at the World Pike Championships at Lough Ree
Cian McCormack of RTE at the World Boat Championships at Lough Ree

The Championships were fished out of the Lanesbourough/Ballyleague surroundings and we dropped into Joe Cribbin in his Daybreak filling station in Ballyleage. Joe ran the Downs Inn and the Ennell Bar for years, and told me the Kettle is always on for any of his pals from Westmeath passing through Ballyleage.

Cian McCormack
Cian McCormack

17 nations competed and the final days were Saturday and Sunday 10th & 11th October. Unfortunately I missed the final days, but had a few days with the South African team who were competing.

Anton Vogt with Perch
Anton Vogt with Perch from the South African team

The winners were Ukraine who caught 45 fish for 167,284 points. Belaurs 2nd with 37 fish, and Lithuania 3rd. Ireland was represented by Mick Dalton from Ballymahon, Longford angler Joe McDermott, and Galway pair Tomi Kurman and Jacek Gorny.Full results can be found on www.ncffi.ie/wbc16.

Michael Flanagan
Midland Angling

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Midlands Angling  provide a top class Guiding service covering many of the top coarse and game waters across the Midlands. Visiting fly anglers have landed some fine trout while out with Midland Angling Guides, pike anglers also recorded some net bursting catches including many pike over 20lbs. Top waters include Lough Ree, Ennell, Owel, Lene, Mount Dalton, and Glore Lake just to mention a few.
Michael Flanagan
Midland Angling
Pike and Trout angling guide.

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