Erne Classic Fishing Festival 2010 Report

The 2010 Waterways Ireland Classic Fishing Festival took place over the week commencing 25th to 30th April. Over the five days anglers from the UK, Europe and Ireland competed for prizes worth £20,000, with section and daily prizes on offer along with aggregate prizes. The event was sponsored by Waterways Ireland and organised by Fermanagh District Council (FDC)and the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure, Inland Fisheries Group.

The week concluded with a prize giving in the Westville Hotel in Enniskillen, where a number of presentations were made to the referee, individuals and team competitors.

1st - Thorsten Beil - Germany - 40Kg 770gm
2nd - Mark Silman - Stainforth - 37Kg 530gm
3rd - Robert Nudd - Wisbech - 33Kg 820gm
4th - Rudiger Hansen - Germany - 31Kg 130gm
5th - Richard Hoskins - Ross-on-Wye - 30 Kg 220gm
6th - Ian Crossman - Nuneaton - 29Kg 970gm

        
Above Left - Thorsten Bell & Eddie McGovern (Fermanagh District Council)
Above Right - Marcus McAuley (DCAL) & Anna Theedom

The Department carried out a number of works prior to the Classic, such as 325 stands/pegs being checked and prepared so their were ready for fishing. Three new disabled stands were introduced at Broadmeadow and a wooden stand was erected at Cornagrade to replace a stand which was erected on the boat club land opposite the Police station.  Six of the stands used had boards replaced and two stands were replaced.

                 
Fermanagh Staff erecting a new stand and the new disabled stand at Broadmeadow

During the event, DCAL staff coordinated the volunteer stewards, directed anglers in getting to their pegs, dealt with queries and problems in consultation with the referee as necessary, and supervised all 'weigh-ins' and associated documentaton.

DCAL would like to thank the volunteers and colleagues in Fermanagh District Council for their cooperation in making the running of the event a success, and Waterways Ireland for their ongoing generous sponsorship.