LAUNCH OF THE IFYE LAKELAND ACTIVITY DAY

The 48th European International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE) Alumni Association Conference will take place in Fermanagh from 29th July to 5th August.

The organisation is made up of members and former members of Young Farmers,
Rural Youth and 4H clubs throughout the world who have participated in previous international exchange visits. The Conference rotates around the participating countries and was previously held in Northern Ireland in 1969 and 1993. Over 160 delegates from 20 different countries have confirmed their participation to date.

As part of the week long Conference, delegates will enjoy a day of water sports on Lough Erne, sponsored by Waterways Ireland. Speaking at the Launch of the IFYE Lakeland Activity Day, Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing & Communications with Waterways Ireland spoke of the importance of the event. He said, "Waterways Ireland is delighted to sponsor the Lakeland Activity Day which will showcase Lough Erne and will provide lasting memories for a group of young people from all corners of the world. We look forward to welcoming the delegates and their families to Fermanagh for many years to come".

The Chairperson of the organising committee, Derek Quinton, who is based in Co. Fermanagh, welcomed the support from Waterways Ireland. He said, "It will allow the overseas visitors to experience the wide range of recreational activities available on the Erne system and beyond and make them aware of the impact of the Erne on the everyday life in the County".

The week long Conference will also include visits to Enniskillen Castle, Devenish Island Monastic Site, Belleek Pottery and the Marble Arch Caves along with site visits to local industries such as Fisher Engineering and the Quinn Group Glass Factory.

Further information on the 48th European International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE) Alumni Association Conference may be found at the event website, www.ifye2006ni.org.uk.

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Further information from:
Derek Quinton, Conference Chairperson, 077 5393 6662, or
Ms. Aoife Morrissy, Marketing and Communications, Waterways Ireland, 00 353 71 9650787 or 00 353 87 9918412.

Date: 29.06.2006
PR06020

At the Launch of the IFYE Alumni Association Conference Lakeland Activity Day

From left: Margaret Bolton, Conference Registration Secretary; Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing & Communications, Waterways Ireland; Derek Quinton, Conference Chairperson; Laura Tolonen from Finland on an overseas exchange with the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster; and Yvonne Neill, Conference Sponsorship Secretary.

Location: Enniskillen Castle