#ANGLING - The cross-border team of Phil Jackson and Cathal Hughes took the top prize at the Lakelands & Inland Waterways World Pairs Angling Championship earlier this month, as The Irish Times reports.

The pair - from Craigavon and Galway respectively - received a cheque for more than €37,000 and a set of Daiwa tackle for their efforts in snagging a total catch of 117.560kg over the five days of fishing across the lakes and waterways of Monaghan, Leitrim. Cavan and Fermanagh - described as the world's richest coarse angling competition.

Close behind in the winners' table were the team of Derek Willan and Mark Pollard, whose 112.990kg total earned them second place and a cheque for more than €12,500.

"The fishing that has taken place over the last five days will be a significant turning point in how angling in Ireland is viewed all over the world," said Fáilte Ireland's Colm Breheny at the conclusion of the contest.

The Irish Times has more on the story HERE.