The inaugural Irish National Country Fair was held at Ballinlough Castle, Co. Westmeath on 18/19 July.

APGAI (Ireland) instructors were in attendance, and also in great demand for tuition in casting and fly-dressing.

Peter O'Reilly performed his casting demonstrations in the Main Arena on both days whilst Pat Hughes and Joe Stitt had long queues of beginners and improvers for single-handed tuition in the picturesque setting right in front of the Castle whilst dodging medieval jousting knights in armour!

In the adjacent marquee, Pat Mulholland, Lawrence Finney and Peter O’Reilly demonstrated a wide range of fly-dressing techniques to a fascinated audience. Also in the marquee, Arthur Greenwood introduced dozens of youngsters to the art of fly-dressing over the two days.

The Fair seemed to be a great success with lots to do and see for everyone who attended. APGAI (Ireland) were delighted to be associated with the event.

On the Castle lawn, Joe Stitt was in demand to demonstrate single-handed casting
and The Black Knight, not carrying a fly rod on this occasion!