Inland Fisheries Ireland will launch its 2024 Sponsorship Programme at 5pm today (Friday, December 15th).

Angling clubs, groups and associations all over Ireland are being invited to apply for sponsorship funding before the January 19th deadline. In 2024, the €30,000 fund will have a particular focus on promoting sustainable angling tourism in rural areas while also supporting initiatives aimed at beginners and young anglers.

The IFI sponsored Youths Home Nations on Lough Lene – boats ready for the off

The IFI Sponsorship Programme awarded funding to 71 angling events and initiatives across the country in 2023.These included national or international competitions and festivals that showcased Ireland’s angling resources and contribution to local economies; coaching and juvenile outreach events that helped to increase participation in the sport, public awareness events, support of international teams competing overseas and other angling-related initiatives.

Pictured are junior anglers from Newport Sea Angling Club in County Mayo. The youth angling initiative received funding under the Inland Fisheries Ireland Sponsorship Programme

Notable events from 2023 include the World Club Feeder Championships, where over 260 anglers from 18 nations spent over a week in Monaghan fighting to become club world champions and the Lough Ree ‘King of the Lake’ International Pike Festival, where 160 anglers fished to be crowned King of Lough Ree.

The Irish Youths who won a third consecutive gold medal in the Home Nations Championships

Interested parties can find more information on the programme and details on how to apply here.