LAUNCH OF THE 2006 WATERWAYS IRELAND CLASSIC FISHING FESTIVAL

The Launch of the 2006 Waterways Ireland Classic Fishing Festival took place on Friday 3rd March at the "Go Fishing" Show at the NEC Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. Officiating at the Launch were Cllr. Stephen Huggett, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council and Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing and Communications with Waterways Ireland.

The 2006 Annual Waterways Ireland Classic Fishing Festival takes place from Sunday 7th May to Friday 12th May. The Festival opens with a Welcome Reception for competitors on Sunday 7th May. The competition begins on Monday 8th May and the Festival closes with a Gala Farewell and Prize Presentation on Friday 12th 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 Thursday with the "King of the Erne", sponsored by Willie Ramblers, completing the Festival on Tuesday and Friday.

The Festival is sponsored for the fourth 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: 06.03.2006
PR06005

At the launch of the 2006 Waterways Ireland Classic Fishing Festival at the "Go Fishing" Show in the NEC Birmingham on Friday 3rd March, from left: Martin Dennany, Waterways Ireland; Cllr. Stephen Huggett, Chairman Fermanagh District Council; and Eddie McGovern, Fermanagh District Council.