SOME top anglers from across Europe have descended to the shores of Lough Erne for the return of the popular Fermanagh Fishing Classic which takes places after months of uncertainty.
Local and visiting anglers were left outraged after the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs threatened to cut funding for the event, prompting a U-turn on their decision.
A huge turnout of talented anglers attended the official opening of the Fermanagh Fishing Classic which took place at the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel and Lodges in Enniskillen on Sunday night.
As well as the ceremony, the Erne Open Bobby Smither Memorial event took place on Sunday.
The main Fishing Classic will take place today (Wednesday) and tomorrow (Thursday), with the King of the Erne event on Friday (May 9), before the Closing Gala at the Killyhevlin that night.
Liverpudlian angler Chris Diamond regularly travels to the county for the Classic. He shared his delight after it was confirmed that funding had been secured for the annual sporting event.
“I am so glad that the powers that be, have listened and saved the festival,” he told the ‘Herald.
“I have to say it is the way it’s organised and run from start to finish by the Fermanagh Council and it’s staff that makes this Ireland’s premier Fishing Festival.
“I have just been diagnosed with bowel cancer and I’ll try and move heaven and earth to get in May. I have already booked the accommodation for six of us, fingers crossed I can still go.”
Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, Deborah Erskine, welcomed the go ahead for the Classic, pointing out that the event attracts many visitors to the county and is “a huge victory” locally.
“This good news is a huge victory for the Fermanagh Fishing Festival organisers and our local anglers. Common sense has prevailed,” explained Ms Erskine.
“They have had many meetings to draw down this funding and show the importance of it. Their hard works shows their passion and dedication to our area.”
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