Phil Foden set to fish Co Antrim river during trip to Northern Ireland

Phil Foden of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Watford FC and Manchester City at Vicarage Road on July 21, 2020 in Watford, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Manchester City star Phil Foden is due to fish on the Six Mile Water during a visit to Co Antrim this summer.

The midfielder, whose season has now ended following City’s elimination from the Uefa Champions League, is expected to fish in the Dunadry area later this month.

The river, a tributary of Lough Neagh, is home to a number of species including trout and dollaghan.

Welcoming the news that the England Under 21 international is set to come to the region, Vice Chair of the Six Mile Water Trust, Jim Gregg said: “The season runs from now until October and there is a lot of interest in the Six Mile Water at present. The fish would be making their way to Ballyclare.

“The river attracts anglers from all over and puts it on the agenda.

“Having keen anglers like Phil Foden coming to fish on the river is great for the area and it is in everyone’s interest to attract people to fish here.

“The water quality of the river has improved and we are seeing a vibrant environment for the trout and dollaghan to flourish.”

Maurice Parkinson, Chairman of the Antrim and District Angling Association added: “The current state of the river hasn’t come by accident and the volunteers and community groups who have worked tirelessly to improve the river should all be praised.

“There was a bad fish kill in 2008 from Mallusk to Lough Neagh and a lot of hard work by a lot of people has brought the river to a very high standard.

“It is now one of the best rivers to fish across the island of Ireland and people know of the Six Mile Water. It is the best river on the whole Lough Neagh catchment area for dollaghan.

“The river has been managed in a way that lets everyone enjoy it and fish it and it is something that should be cherished.

“Phil Foden will possibly be trying night fishing while he is here. I hope he enjoys his time in Co Antrim.”

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Cllr Jim Montgomery hopes Phil can “catch a big one” while he is in the borough.

The first citizen said: “The meandering tranquillity of the Six Mile Water will be an ideal way for Phil Foden to relax away from the bright lights and pressured environment of the Premiership especially after the season just finished.

“We have some excellent accommodation providers nearby so I recommend he takes the opportunity to relax, enjoy the local hospitality and taste some outstanding food in our restaurants.