The 40th Anniversary Waterways Ireland Classic ended with another exciting finish. Stuart Northrop from St Neots, Cambs emerged victorious with a total catch over the three days of 44kgs 60gms. His 27kgs 960gms catch from the productive Portora section on the final day clinched him the Classic title for 2015, along with a cheque for £5,000 and the coveted Crystal Chalice.
232 anglers took part in this years 40th Anniversary event with the majority travelling from overseas and staying in County Fermanagh. The full competition results can be downloaded here
232 anglers took part in this years 40th Anniversary event with the majority travelling from overseas and staying in County Fermanagh. The full competition results can be downloaded here
In second place overall was German angler Rudiger Hansen, whose consistent day one and three catches boosted his total to 37kgs 690gms and earned him £2,000 and a Crystal Trophy. In third place overall was Norman Thewlis from Middlestown, with a total of 36kgs 580gms, which netted him £1,500 and a Crystal Trophy.
In fourth overall was Frank Smith from Omagh with 35kgs 440gms, Thorsten Beil from Germany was fifth with 35kgs 430gms and local angler Phil McCaffrey from Lisbellaw completed the leader board in sixth place with 35kgs 170gms.
The weather throughout Classic week has been ‘Classic Fermanagh’, ranging from gale force winds to bright sunshine and from chilly mornings to balmy evenings. The catches improved along with the weather as the week progressed and some very good weights were recorded, from Boa Island on Lower Lough Erne to Corradillar on the upper lake.
The Classic is probably Europes' most prestigious individual title to win along with a very nice cash purse. It's all about the luck of the draw over the three days of the festival but it's the local hospitality and the fun of Classic Week that keeps the anglers coming back year after year. Ask Ron Williams from Barnet, London and the only angler who has taken part in very one of the 40 competitions and he will be back next year. Well done Ron!
The Classic is probably Europes' most prestigious individual title to win along with a very nice cash purse. It's all about the luck of the draw over the three days of the festival but it's the local hospitality and the fun of Classic Week that keeps the anglers coming back year after year. Ask Ron Williams from Barnet, London and the only angler who has taken part in very one of the 40 competitions and he will be back next year. Well done Ron!
The Classic has long been the favourite of many angling faces including current and former World Champions who turn out year after year for that chance of the title. Running inside the match is the Teams event and this year it was Team Van den Eynde's turn to show off their combined skills and take first place. L-R Bob Nudd MBE, Gary Whalley, Richard Turner DCAL Inland fisheries, Baz Smith, Kevin Ashurst. Yes, there is a fancy dress tradition at the Gala Presentation to end the week.
We are already taking bookings for next years event and will be releasing details of some new accommodation in County Fermanagh shortly. Please get in touch for more information.