In 1996 at the Home Internationals held on Inniscarra Reservoir, David Taylor the Irish Team Manager at the time, whilst reviewing the fabulous fishing experienced suggested we attempt to hold a World Championship on the venue.

This was echoed by all the countries involved and here we are 18 years later ready to receive the 25 nations competing in the 4th FIPS-ed World Feeder Fishing Championships hosted by the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland. Not quite 18 years, but it all started in 2011 with honorary president of the NCCFFI, Oliver McGauley making a bid at the International congress of anglers to bring this event to Ireland.

After many months of campaigning and planning by Inniscarra Lake Tourism Development Ltd. funding was awarded via the Avondhu Blackwater Partnership Ltd. to develop a 2.8km stretch of the reservoir to International angling standards. Additional funding and support from Inland Fisheries Ireland IFI, Cork County Council and the ESB who granted a 25 year license to the ILTDL for the venue has made this project a reality.

Today our sponsors and partners met at the new World Championship Stretch of Inniscarra Reservoir to review the completed venue.

Frank Barry, Manager of the ESB Lee Hydro Stations says – “the ESB is delighted to be supporting the local Community in the hosting of these very prestigious World Fishing Championships and he hopes on behalf of ESB that the new walkway will be enjoyed by locals & visitors alike for many generations to come.”

Louis Duffy, Director of Community, Economic Development & Tourism, Cork County Council said – “The development of this facility which Cork County Council is pleased to be associated with has enabled the hosting of this World Fishing Event and is of enormous economic and tourism value to the local community. It will enable the area to be promoted as a world class fishing area hopefully attracting future championships to take place here.” With International teams from 25 nations competing, Ireland has attracted the best attendance in the event’s short history.

The best feeder anglers in the world will arrive on Sunday 13th July to take part in five days of practise on the venue with the competition days of this world class event co-sponsored by angling industry giants Tubertini and Van Den Eynde taking place on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July.

Suzanne Campion, Inland Fisheries Ireland IFI says – “Inland Fisheries Ireland congratulates the NCFFI in bringing the World Feeder Fishing Championships to Ireland, showcasing the very best of Irish Angling. We wish all competitors tightlines and look forward to welcoming them to this new world class venue.”

A full week’s entertainment is being organised around the championships in Coachford Village to welcome the 240 team members, stewards and spectators. The official opening by Mr Fergus O’Dowd TD, Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources will take place at the Aghabullogue GAA Complex after a ‘Parade of Nations’ through Coachford Village on Thursday 17th July from 6pm.

The event will close with a Medal Ceremony at Aghabullogue GAA Complex in honour of the winners on Sunday 20th July at 5pm followed by a Gala Dinner for the competitors & sponsors at Lee valley Golf Club.

Speaking about the event, Deirdre Cole of Fáilte Ireland said – “Fáilte Ireland, the Irish Tourism Development Authority, is delighted to be associated with this major angling event here in Cork. It is a fantastic opportunity to promote coarse angling in Ireland to the world through our involvement with Sky Sports. The positive images of the excellent new facility at Inniscarra Reservoir, in Coachford, will be broadcast internationally portraying Cork and indeed Ireland as the ideal place to come for competitive and relaxing angling. We are also hosting international media to cover the event and it is our hope that the coverage created will be a lasting experience and encourage overseas visitors to come and participate in angling in the future. Indeed, the benefit of visiting journalists to the region is hugely important to local tourism providers and to the region as a whole.”

Picture: On the bank of the new championship stretch Rose Carroll, Cork County Council Tourism;   Louis Duffy, Director of Community, Economic Development & Tourism, Cork County Council; Deirdre Cole, Failte Ireland; Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development Inland Fisheries Ireland IFI; Donal Lehane, ESB; Tommy Lawton, Event Organiser, National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland NCFFI.