IFI awards €30k sponsorship to nationwide angling events in 2024

Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Sponsorship Programme is awarding €30,000 in supports for 83 angling events and initiatives in 2024.

The programme is a key funding mechanism by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) to promote sustainable angling tourism in rural areas - while also assisting initiatives for beginner and young anglers.

IFI’s 2024 nationwide sponsorship grants are being/have been, distributed in counties Carlow, Cavan, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Meath, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow.

IFI’s investment will support 37 coaching events for novice and juvenile anglers, 26 events run by fishing clubs/federations, 12 locally-hosted international competitions and will also assist elite teams competing overseas in 2024.

Suzanne Campion IFI’s Head of Finance and Corporate Services said: “IFI has allocated €300k in sponsorship supports in the past decade. This has made angling in Ireland more accessible, more sustainable, and more attractive to young people and families. 

“Based on uptake in previous years, we expect more than 800 overseas anglers to take part in competitions featuring in 2024, with an additional 600 novice anglers expected to try fishing.

“Our annual sponsorship initiative attracts both domestic and overseas angling tourism to rural communities, thus contributing significantly to local economies.

“Angling can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, and one beginner’s fishing trip can turn into a lifetime’s recreational pursuit.”

Inland Fisheries Ireland’s allocations will also boost elite training pathways, support women’s teams and four youth teams to represent Team Ireland at international events abroad.

IFI sponsorship can include financial support, biosecurity support, equipment loans, staff assistance, or a combination as required.

Events and initiatives awarded subsidies by IFI in 2024 thus far include:

• World Championship Shore Angling Under-16 and Under-21 competitions, run by the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers – Co Wexford;
• Introductory day to fly fishing for women, organised by the Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association – counties Cavan/Donegal;
• 22nd Annual National Junior Sea Angling Competition organised by the Newport Sea Angling Club – Co Mayo;
• Novice angler development days run by the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland, various locations;
• CAST coaching programme for juvenile anglers, run by the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers – counties Mayo, Wexford, Wicklow, Waterford.