LAUNCH OF THE 2005 WATERWAYS IRELAND CLASSIC FISHING FESTIVAL

The 2005 Annual Waterways Ireland Classic Fishing Festival takes place from Sunday 8th May to Friday 13th May. The Festival opens with a Welcome Reception for competitors on Sunday 8th May, competition begins on Monday 9th May and the Festival closes with a Gala Farewell and Prize Presentation on Friday 13th May.

This year is a significant milestone for the Festival, which is now in its 30th year. The Festival which is one of the top events on the International Angling Calendar and the main event of the Fermanagh match fishing season, is expected to attract over 300 anglers from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain, Germany, Austria and even further afield, with many past winners and competitors expected to return this year to celebrate the 30th Festival.

Over the five days, anglers will compete for prizes worth more than £20,000 with section and daily prizes on offer along with aggregate prizes. The "Classic Competition" takes place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with the "King of the Erne", sponsored by Willie Ramblers, completing the Festival on Tuesday and Thursday.

Organised by the Fermanagh District Council, the Festival is sponsored for the third year by Waterways Ireland, the North/South implementation body responsible for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of the inland navigable waterway system.

Entry forms may be obtained from the Fermanagh District Council, Town Hall, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, BT74 7BA or by calling +44 (0)28 6632 5050.

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Further information from:

Ms. Aoife Morrissy, Marketing and Communications, Waterways Ireland, 00 353 71 9650787 or 00 353 87 9918412. Or:
Mr. Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing and Communications,
Waterways Ireland, 00 44 28 66346203.

Date: 25.04.2004
PR050010

Launching the Waterways Ireland Classic Fishing Festival, are (from left) Gerry McHugh, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council; Kirsty Stewart, Miss Northern Ireland; Eddie McGovern, Festival Organiser, Fermanagh District Council; and Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing and Communications, Waterways Ireland.

Location: Enniskillen