Ballyleague/Lanesboro area is in contention to host the very prestigious World Championship Angling ‘Predator Boat’ in October 2016, which could result in a spin-off of up to €500,000 for the local economy.
It has been decided that Ireland will stage the competition next year, and the Longford/Roscommon villages are one of just two entries in contention to do so. Up to 19 countries take part in the event, which also attracts hundreds of spectators. Anglers compete for predatory fish, such as pike and percy, and attracts fishermen from across the globe.
The chairman of the Lough Ree Angling Hub, Hugh Keane, said: “We applied for the competition a few months ago and we are in the running for it now. It would be a huge boost to get it.
“It would be a huge boost for the economy, from Roscommon to Longford. It would be a massive undertaking: we are looking at 300-plus anglers coming for five days.”
Mr Keane said the hub would make a formal presentation to international angling federations and a decision will be made in the coming months on which venue will host the contest. “We have at least a one in two chance of hosting it,” added Mr Keane.
