43 anglers took part in the annual competition which takes place over four days with a different lake venue in the Clones area of County Monaghan fished daily. Cold temperatures and freshwater in the Dromore system meant some venues such as Drumlona did not produce the expected catches but there was a general show of bream across the venues with Enniskillen angler Dave Slater netting four for his 25lb weight on on Bairds Shore to including a fine 6lb 14oz specimen.
In contrast Annaghmakerrig fished better than anticipated providing nets of small skimmers and a top weight of 32lbs for Cootehill angler Paul Leese on day one. But it was Enniskillen angler Tony Kersley, Tubertini whose consistent fishing throughout kept him at the top and winner of the 2015 festival. Cootehill’s Neil Mazurek’s 34lb catch on the final day placed him runner-up. Very well done to Seamie Winters for the catch of the festival and a massive 42lbs 5oz net of roach and hybrids from Drumlona Lough which placed him in third place.
- 1st Tony Kersley 74lbs 4oz
- 2nd Neil Mazurek 71lbs 15oz
- 3rd Seamie Winters 68lbs 15oz
- 4th Wayne Easter 58lbs 4oz
- 5th Julian Kendrick 57lbs 15oz
The four days were unpredictable with the local venues of Bairds Shore, Drumlona Lough, Mullinary and Annaghmakerrig fishing very differently from usual but adding to the excitement. This popular and well organised festival attracts a high proportion of overseas anglers who come back year after year for the good fishing at this time. The weights were not as heavy as usual but the festival didn’t disappoint.
