Traditional sportsmen make a stand

A LOBBY group yesterday impressed on TDs from a number of parties the importance of traditional sports, such as angling, coursing and shooting in rural life.

The group, claiming to represent 100,000 people, called for greater recognition of the benefits of traditional sports, more consultation with rural stakeholders and state funding for the management and promotion of all game species.

Represented in the group were the Federation of Irish Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers (FISSTA), National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC), Irish Coursing Club (ICC) and Countryside Alliance Ireland.