02 April 2012

Minister Gets Hooked On Urban Angling

Fisheries Minister, Carál Ni Chuilín has presented the prizes in the under-16 angling competition at the Waterworks in North Belfast.

The annual angling competition is organised by Families at the Waterworks, a cross-community group set up to encourage youngsters to take part in the sport. This is the first year that the competition has featured teams from local schools.

Speaking at the event the Minister said: "This certainly is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. I would like to thank Families at the Waterworks for inviting me to attend their event. The Waterworks offers a unique opportunity to fish for Rainbow Trout in the heart of Belfast, an oasis of calm within a busy city. Events such as these open up the sport of angling to those who previously may not have tried it.

"I am sure everyone here has had a great day even if they won a prize or not. As well as being about fishing today is also about meeting new friends, building relationships and helping young people to become more aware of their natural surroundings and create a sense of ownership of our shared spaces."

(GK)