The Killyleagh Fly Fair was the life-long dream of Stevie Kennedy of the Greys Academy, who wanted to highlight the perils of environmental damage caused to waters like the River Dibney.

This event enables greatly needed funds to be raised to restore this river to its former glory.

This year saw top fly dressers from around the world carrying out demonstrations and workshops in different locations around this beautiful village just inland from Strangeford Lough.

Casting instruction was carried out in the grounds of Killyleagh Castle – a fantastic backdrop for such an event.

At the Dufferin Arms fly dressers such as Rinny Sluiter from Holland, John Shanner from the USA, Roy Christie of London and Chris Reed from the West midlands joined forces.

Local master fly dressers Pete Keally, Joe McDonald and Ryan Houston produced magnificent flies from upside down Mayflies to fully dressed salmon flies.

One special guest tier was Catheryne Boyce of Brookhall Trout Fishery, who sat in one of the bars tying buzzers for the audience.

Irelands top fly dresser instructors Lawrence Finney, Pat Mulholland and Arthur Greenwood were there representing A.P.G.A.I.(Ireland) demonstrating tying traditional Irish Lough flies, and A.P.G.A.I.(Ireland) casting instructors Pat Hughes, Joe Stitt and Stevie Munn astounded visitors with their expert casting techniques.

The famous Ted Malone was the highlight of the fair in the drop-off centre, where he held all the children spell bound as he demonstrated his technique of tying his famous Daddy Longlegs. The 93-year-old outshone all at the show.

Also present was Tom ‘doc’ Sullivan demonstrating tying golden olive Bumbles and wet flies.

Irish angler magazine was present with David Dinsmore and Micheal Shanks, who demonstrated his tying of Lough flies, whilst David Dinsmore presented copies of the new edition of Irish angler magazine.

This annual event has been such a success, fly dressers worldwide such as Johan Putt from Holland, Mark Romero from Arkansas and Misako Ishimura, the chairwoman of the Japanese fly team have expressed their desire to come along. So remember to keep your eyes open for next year, it is going to be bigger and better.