LAUNCH OF THE 2007 WATERWAYS IRELAND CLASSIC FISHING FESTIVAL

The Launch of the 2007 Waterways Ireland Classic Fishing Festival took place on Friday 16th March at the "Go Fishing" Show at the NEC Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. Officiating at the Launch were Eddie McGovern, Tourist Development Officer, Fermanagh District Council and Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing and Communications with Waterways Ireland.

The 2007 Annual Waterways Ireland Classic Fishing Festival takes place from Sunday 13th May to Friday 18th May. The Festival opens with a Welcome Reception for competitors on Sunday 13th May. The competition begins on Monday 14th May and the Festival closes with a Gala Farewell and Prize Presentation on Friday 18th May.

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.

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.

The Festival is sponsored for the fifth year by Waterways Ireland, the North/South implementation body responsible for the management of the inland navigable waterway system, and organised by Fermanagh District Council.

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: 28.03.2007
PR07006

Pictured at the Launch of the Waterways Ireland Classic Fishing Festival, from left, Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing and Communications, Waterways Ireland; Michael Fitzpatrick, Classic Fishing Festival Match Referee; and Eddie McGovern, Tourist Development Officer, Fermanagh District Council. The Launch took place at the "Go Fishing" Show in Birmingham.