The National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland (NCFFI) successfully bid for and has been awarded the honour of hosting the 44th edition of the FIPSed World Club Championship Coarse Fishing for Clubs by the International Federation of Sport Freshwater Fishing (FIPSed). The event will be hosted in partnership with key supporters and sponsors: ESB, Cork County Council, and Inland Fisheries Ireland, whose backing is vital to the success of this world-class championship shown at the launch today.

At the water’s edge of the Inniscarra Reservoir, Tommy Lawton, National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland (NCFFI) thanked everyone for their ongoing support for angling in the area for what will be the third world championship staged on the venue.

Nuala Moloney, Community Relations & Sustainable Rivers Manager of ESB said:

“ESB is delighted to be supporting the NCFFI and the local Community in the hosting of this very prestigious  World Fishing Competition  and   hopes that the Inniscarra Reservoir and Coachford Greenway which will used to host the event will be enjoyed by  locals & visitors alike”

The prestigious event invites the world’s top club teams to compete in the discipline of float fishing. While the NCFFI has been supporting Irish entries for over 40 years—by running national qualifiers and fielding club teams at venues around the world—2025 marks the first time Ireland will host the event. What sets this championship apart is its focus on club-level competition rather than national teams, offering everyday anglers the opportunity to compete on the world stage at this level. Participants represent the very best performers from their home countries’ domestic circuits.

Sponsors and partners gather at Inniscarra Reservoir to launch the 44th FIPSed World Championship Coarse Angling for clubs. L-R Sharon Conroy – Cork County Council, Senator Eileen Lynch, Cllr. Ian Doyle,
Photo: Karol Kachmarsky

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley said:

‘‘Cork County Council is proud to support this world-class angling event at Inniscarra Reservoir. Hosting an international championship of this scale is a real testament to the strength of local collaboration, the quality of our outdoor amenities, and the region’s growing reputation as a destination for sport and recreation. We’re delighted to welcome teams and supporters from across the globe to County Cork and look forward to the positive impact this event will bring to our communities and local economy.’’

Sponsors and partners gather at Inniscarra Reservoir to launch the 44th FIPSed World Championship Coarse Angling for clubs. L-R Barry O’Connor – Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), Sharon Conroy – Cork County Council, Michael Quinlan – ESB, Senator Eileen Lynch, Damien O’Donovan and Deidre O’Donovan – O’Donovan Engineering, Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Ian Doyle (seated), Cllr Kate Lynch, Catherine O’Brien, Broomhill Vintage Club, John McCaffrey – Coachford Community Council/Tidy Towns Front L_R Tommy Lawton, National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland (NCFFI), Donal Lehane – ESB, Nuala Moloney – ESB
Photo: Karol Kachmarsky

25 elite club teams from 16 nations will travel to the region starting Saturday, 19th July, for five days of official training. The championship matches, main event, will then take place on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July.

Adding to the festive spirit, Monday, 21st July, will see the vibrant Parade of Nations through Coachford village. This family-friendly event, open to the public, officially opens the championships and brings together the local community and visiting competitors.

Sponsors and partners gather at Inniscarra Reservoir to launch the 44th FIPSed World Championship Coarse Angling for clubs. L-R Barry O’Connor – Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), Cllr. Ian Doyle (seated)
Photo: Karol Kachmarsky

The competition will take place along the Inniscarra Reservoir, including the Coachford Greenway—a 2.8 km linear park with Sport Ireland National Trails status. This multi-use amenity is enjoyed by walkers, joggers, cyclists, rowers, families, and anglers alike. Originally developed to support a World Fishing Championship in 2014, it continues to serve as a valuable legacy for coarse angling in the region and a beloved outdoor space for the wider community.

Suzanne Campion, Acting CEO, Inland Fisheries Ireland said:

“Inland Fisheries Ireland is proud to sponsor the World Championship Coarse Fishing for Clubs. We are delighted that Inniscarra Reservoir will once again showcase the quality of Ireland’s wild coarse fisheries on the world stage having invested considerably in the venue. We recognise the importance of supporting these events through financial contribution, expert staff and bio-security. Angling is an important, sustainable economic driver for rural and coastal communities, and the angling sector contributes almost €1 billion to the Irish economy every year and supports over 11,000 Irish jobs. These World Championships will provide a significant and welcome boost to the local economy. We wish all the competitors the best of luck!”

The 2025 championship will generate in excess of 2,000 bed nights for the region, providing a welcome boost to local businesses and reinforcing Inniscarra’s reputation as a world-class angling destination.

NCFFI Chair, Jack Tisdall said:  “We are thrilled to return to this world class angling facility to host the ultimate competition for club teams which showcases the local angling product to club anglers worldwide to whom the Irish angling scene appeals.

What’s more the federation is delighted to present two top club teams at the Championships. BSI Sensas and CM Lakelands will present a healthy challenge to the visiting club teams, please come along and give them your support as they go for gold”.

Sponsors and partners gather at Inniscarra Reservoir to launch the 44th FIPSed World Championship Coarse Angling for clubs. L-R Deidre O’Donovan – O’Donovan Engineering, Senator Eileen Lynch, Cllr. Ian Doyle, Sharon Conroy – Cork County Council,
Photo: Karol Kachmarsky

Volunteer

The National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland are appealing to members of all communities for their help in stewarding the event. If you would like to get involved please visit https://www.ncffi.ie/wcc25-2/volunteer-wcc25/ for more details.

Contact:

  • Tommy Lawton Tel: tommylawton4@gmail.com Tel: 086 104 3040
  • Helen Rainsford Tel: pr@ncffi.ie   Tel: 00 44 7711 607200
  • For further information visit https://www.ncffi.ie/wcc25

Inniscarra reservoir near Coachford