Anyone who has an interest in angling, in particular Irish Match fishing, I would encourage you to sign this petition.

I am sure you are all familiar with the current restrictions surrounding match fishing here in Ireland. As seen in the chart recently issued by our governing body NCFFI.

As you will understand, given its outdoor setting and socially distanced nature with pegs a minimum of 12-15m apart, fishing is one of the few sports along with golf, hunting etc. that can clearly proceed safely without fear of imposing a Covid risk to those involved or the general public. Matches can be organised and run safely taking the required precautions to insure participants avoid gathering and any potential for close contact. Online draws and even staggered times to access pegs have all been proven successful over the last few months. Covid safe measures with customised weigh slings and cradles have been clearly tried and tested over the last number of months and to my knowledge, I am unaware of any cases of Covid-19 directly related to the sport of angling.

I think most will agree with the restrictions prohibiting matches and competitive angling during level 5 government national lockdown. During this highest level of restrictions, we are not permitted to travel outside of a 5KM zone and as such matches are clearly not viable, on this basis.

However, I believe to prohibit match fishing in levels 3 & 4 is completely unacceptable. During these stages there is a real prospect that competitive angling could proceed safely. All be it, anglers should observe the travel restrictions imposed by government.

The result of the current regulations surrounding match fishing means that the reality is matches, festivals and leagues will not be viable to proceed for the foreseeable future (2021), as organisers will be limited to levels 1 & 2 for the running of the same... We all know with absolute certainty that Covid infection rates will rise and fall, as we move between various stages of restrictions going forward, meaning a high prospect of being in levels 3-5 for most of the next 12 months+. This means organisers will be unable and discouraged to organise events going forward under the current guidelines.

For many anglers, match fishing is their specific area of interest and many do not have interest in pleasure fishing. I am concerned that many anglers may as result, loose interest in the sport causing a long term deterioration of the sport. When we should be focused on growth of the sport.

Please support this petition to help show those involved that change is needed.