LAUNCH OF THE WATERWAYS IRELAND
ERNE INTERNATIONAL PIKE FISHING CLASSIC 2006

The Inaugural Waterways Ireland Erne International Pike Fishing Classic Competition takes place from Friday 20th October to Sunday 22nd October on the River Erne in and around the town of Enniskillen.

The three day event will consist of one day shore fishing on Friday 20th October when anglers will be positioned at the fishing stands around Enniskillen. On Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd, the action moves to the water with a boat fishing event taking place from Portora gates to Carrybridge and Innismore Viaduct.

Prize money will be on offer for each of the days of the competition with an overall prize for the 2 Day boat competition. The competition has been widely advertised through leading specialist angling magazines in Ireland and the UK and between 300 and 500 anglers are expected to take part from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and mainland Europe.

The event is being organised by the Erne Anglers Angling Club with support from Waterways Ireland, Fermanagh District Council and DCAL Inland Fisheries. The Erne Anglers Angling Club hope to turn this Pike fishing competition into a major event attracting over 1,000 additional bed nights to the local economy in the first year.

At the launch Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing and Communications with Waterways Ireland, spoke of the significance of the event. He said, "This competition will be a major calendar event for anglers and as it is taking place at the end of the traditional tourism season, will provide a boost to the local economy while also showcasing the fantastic waterways of Fermanagh."

Councillor John O'Kane, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council said,
"This is the first major pike angling event to be held in Fermanagh, it is pleasing that our natural resources are being used in a sympathetic way to further develop our tourist product, I understand there is a large entry and that anglers from mainland Europe have expressed an interest in competing. I wish all competitors and organisers every success."

Further information and entry forms are available from the Cloughbally Mill Angling Centre, Enniskillen at +44 28 66322 008.

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Further information from:
Ms. Aoife Morrissy, Marketing and Communications, Waterways Ireland, 00 353 71 9650787 or 00 353 87 9918412.

Date: 12.10.2006
PR06027

Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing and Communications, Waterways Ireland with Councillor John O'Kane, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council at Enniskillen Castle