Ireland completed a memorable clean sweep by winning both the Under-19 and inaugural Under-24 team titles at the 23rd Cortland FIPS-Mouche World Youth Fly Fishing Championships, held across Donegal and Tyrone from 16 to 22 July.
The championships brought together the world's leading young fly anglers for five days of competition on lakes and rivers across the North West. Ireland's double success marked one of its strongest performances at the international event and came as the island hosted the new Under-24 championship for the first time.
Competition was staged on Loughanure, Lough Craighy and Lough Deele in Donegal, together with stretches of the River Quiggery and River Dennet in Tyrone. The varied venues tested competitors across lake, bank and river fishing disciplines.
Ireland secured the inaugural Under-24 team title after recording 50 fish, with the longest measuring 30cm. The Czech Republic finished second, followed by Slovakia.
The Irish Under-19 team also topped the podium, ahead of the United States in second and Slovakia in third.
There was further Irish success in the individual standings. Adam Adcock claimed silver and Jack Reidy bronze in the Under-24 competition, while Jacob Griffin finished runner-up in the Under-19 championship.
Alan McDade, TAFI International Organiser, said the event represented a landmark achievement for Irish fly fishing.
"Having hosted the Under-19 event for the first time in 2013, I was delighted to be involved as the International Organiser of the 2026 championship and to deliver the inaugural Under-24 competition. TAFI delivered both competitions simultaneously and seamlessly."
He added:
"It was an incredible achievement for Ireland to claim both the Under-19 and Under-24 team titles, and it reflects the quality of angling clubs we have across this island."
Loughs Agency Chief Executive Sharon McMahon said the championships showcased both the region's fisheries and the strength of cross-border cooperation.
"This championship gave us a valuable opportunity to showcase the region's incredible fisheries on a global stage, and for the Irish teams to come out on top was a tremendous achievement."
She said the event also highlighted the work being undertaken by Loughs Agency and its partners to conserve and protect shared waterways for future generations.
The championships were organised by the Trout Anglers Federation of Ireland with support from Loughs Agency, Sport Ireland, Donegal Sports Partnership, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Donegal County Council, Inland Fisheries Ireland and other partners.
The event featured both the 23rd Under-19 World Youth Fly Fishing Championship and the inaugural Under-24 World Youth Fly Fishing Championship, making Ireland and Northern Ireland the first hosts of the expanded format.
Irish Teams
Under-19: Finn Kelly, Richard Mazur, Jacob Griffin, Jamie Wade and Louis Porter, with Jack McGuinness as reserve.
Under-24: Adam Adcock, Colm Coyle, Zack Barnett, Henry Suiter and Jack Reidy, with Josh Lane as reserve.
