Record catches were recorded at the 33rd Cootehill Angling Festival that took place from Monday 23rd to Friday 27th September. Eighty two anglers participated and fished five venues in rotation including Annaghierin, Bairds Shore, Mullanarry and L. Sillan Upper and Lower. Favorable weather conditions prevailed and in keeping with the recent trend excellent fishing was had.

The match recorded a total catch of 4115kg of fish or 4.1 metric tons. This is the best total recorded in the history of the festival and much improved on the 3120kg bagged in 2012 match. The quality of fishing is highlighted by the fact that 40 anglers recorded total catches of 50kg upwards.

The competition was a closely fought affair with former world champion Bob Nudd leading Kevin Norcliffe by just 50g going into day 5 but Wigans Garry Whalley came up on the blind side and put in a sterling performance to pip Bob by just 860g to grab the title and a first prize of €1000 and a Cavan Crystal trophy.

Weigh in each evening was conducted by staff from Inland Fisheries Ireland that were ably assisted by local volunteers.

Best individual catch of the week was the 29.740kg hauled in by Derek Buckley on day 2 at Sillan Annaghfarney.

Match results were as follows
1st Garry Whalley, Wigan, 85.060kg
2nd Bob Nudd, Cambridgeshire, 84.200kg
3rd Neil Mazurek, CooteHill, 81.630kg
4th Andy Pollard, Glouster, 80.040kg
5th Ian Hughes, Nuneaton, 77.030kg
6th Derek Buckley, Bellaghy, 75.900kg

Team winners were Sweeneys Gang of Brenton Sweeney, Wayne Fuller and Paul Leese followed in second place by team Van Den Eynde of Bob Nudd, Baz Smith and Kevin Ashurst.