No codding, it’s actually National Fish and Chips Day

Chippers everywhere are expecting to be reeling in the customers as today is o-fish-ially the second annual National Fish and Chips Day.

To mark this momentous occasion, members of the Irish Traditional Italian Chippers Association (ITICA) are offering customers a half-price 'one and one' deal, just for the halibut. In other words, you and your 'sole mate' can net a meal for two and pay for one.

Considered the ideal hook for the floundering Irish fast-food industry, the deal won't tide you over for too long, as it's available for one day only - meaning hungry fish-and-chips lovers will have to mussel in on the action quickly. Thankfully, however, the offer is happening all over the plaice.

Last year alone, the 200-member ITICA reported that over 180,000 people visited their local chipper, with the industry using over 65,000 pounds of fish and 360,000 pounds of potatoes when the oppor-tuna-ty arose.

"I believe we have soaked up the impact of the stiff competition," Peter Borza of the ITICA told the Irish Independent on the porpoise of the day. "The local Italian chipper is still a cornerstone of the local community in cities and towns throughout Ireland.

"In an era of faceless multinationals people can walk into their local chipper where the owners will most likely know their name. Today that is something unique."

With that in mind, be sure to chip in today and do your bit - we reckon anyone that's avoiding this bait is a cry for kelp.