Joe Byrne will soon be off to Portugal to compete in the World Shore Fishing Championships. Pic: Christy Farrell

Gorey’s Joe Byrne has packed his rod and line and secured his bait as he sets out for the exotic beach of Vilamoura, in the Algarve region of Portugal, but he is not going on holiday, but to represent Ireland in the World Shore Angling Championships.

The veteran angling genius from Ard Lios won a gold medal with the Ireland team and a bronze medal in the individual category of the European Championships in Holland in 2013, and he is very excited about the forthcoming world championships which take place from November 21-27.

“I’m really looking forward to next week’s world championship, but I am really excited about next year when the world championships will be coming to Wexford,” said Joe, who has already qualified as a member of next year’s Ireland team.

Joe Byrne’s colleagues on the Ireland team next week will be Dean Quigley from Wexford, Harry McKee, senior and junior, a father and son combination from Belfast, and Richie Dalton from Waterford.

Full story in THE GOREY ECHO.