WATERWAYS IRELAND ERNE INTERNATIONAL PIKE FISHING CLASSIC 2006 RESULTS

The 2006 Waterways Ireland Erne International Pike Fishing Classic finished yesterday (Sunday) with the second of the two day boat fishing event. The first day of the competition on Friday was a shore competition. The festival, which is in its first year, was an outstanding success with an excess of 400 fish caught over the three days.

The first overall winner for the heaviest fish was Dave Roche from Aughnacliff, Co Longford with an impressive 22lb 3oz specimen fish caught on Sunday, which earned him the top prize of £3,000 and a crystal trophy. Close behind in second place was Terry Sheridan from Gowna, Co Cavan with 21lb 14oz; and local angler, Geoff Crawford from Enniskillen in third place with a 20lb 7oz catch. The winners of the cumulative boat prize (for Saturday and Sunday) were Mattie Gray and Martin Cusworth who caught 14 pike with a total weight of 85lb 4oz.

During the festival the conditions were ideal for pike angling with overcast and foggy weather and a good flow rate on Lough Erne. The event was enjoyed by all competitors and all fish returned alive to the water. The organisers ensured that fish welfare was paramount during the competition and best practice was employed when handling the fish under the supervision of stewarts, including DCAL Inland Fisheries staff.

The event was sponsored by Waterways Ireland and organised by the Erne Anglers Angling Club with support from Fermanagh District Council and DCAL Inland Fisheries.

FULL RESULTS

Friday's Results (Shore Competition)
First place: Barry Dickson, Ballinamallard, Co Fermanagh, 16lb 4oz.
Second place: Harold Beresford, Ennskillen, Co Fermanagh, 15lb 6oz
Third place: Andrew Mussen, Glengormley, Co Antrim, 15lb
Fourth place: Lee Mawhinney, Lisburn, Co Down, 14lb 11oz
Fifth place: Noel Maguire, Ballyconnell, Co Cavan, 14lb

Saturday's Results (First Day of Boat Competition)
First place: Geoff Crawford, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, 20lb 7oz
Second place: Phelim Jennings, Newry, Co Down, 19lb 2oz
Third place: Aidan McAdam, Castleblaney, Co Monaghan, 15lb 8oz

Sunday's Results (Second Day of Boat Competition)
First place: Dave Roche, Aughnacliffe, Co Longford, 22lb 3oz
Second place: Terry Sheridan, Gowna, Co Cavan, 21lb 14oz
Third place: Steven Lindon, Monaghan, 18lb 12oz

Dave Roche, Aughnacliffe, Co. Longford, overall winner of the Waterways Ireland International Pike Fishing Classic on Lough Erne, receiving his award and cheque for £3,000 from Martin Dennany (second right) Director of Marketing and Communications Waterways Ireland. Included are Cllr. John O'Kane, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council and Christine McCann, Chairperson of the Fermanagh Sports Advisory Committee.

Dave Roche, Aughnacliffe, Co. Longford, overall winner of the Waterways Ireland International Pike Fishing Classic with a specimen fish of 22lb 3oz caught on Sunday 22nd October.

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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
Eddie McGovern, Fermanagh District Council on 0044 28 6632 3110.

Date: 23.10.2006
PR06031