Fears are growing that Fermoy’s celebrated coarse angling festival may not take place again as the pandemic has hit key businesses in the East Cork town.
As the Irish Examiner reports, the Fermoy Coarse Angling Association called off two events on the River Blackwater last year due to COVID-related restrictions, as well as a third event this past May.
It’s now cancelled what would have been its calendar highlight next month, owing to a lack of tackle shops and suitable accommodation in the area, according to the club chairman.
Fermoy’s last remaining hotel closed recently, and there has been a reduction in the number of B&Bs to accommodate anglers from all over Ireland and the UK.
The growth of online shopping has also been blamed for the closure of the town’s tackle shops — with the nearest in Coachford more than 60km away.
The Irish Examiner has more on the story HERE.
