Local anglers fly the flag for Ireland at World Championships

Coosan & District Anglers Association has plenty to celebrate following the recent FIPS-Mouche World Youth Fly Fishing Championships, hosted in Ballybofey, Co. Donegal.

The week-long championships welcomed the world’s top young fly anglers from across Europe, North America and South Africa to compete on some of the finest rivers and lakes in Donegal and Tyrone. This year’s event was particularly significant as Ireland hosted both the Under-19 World Championships and the inaugural Under-24 World Championships, making history as the first country to stage the new Under-24 competition.

The championships proved to be a resounding success for Ireland, with both the Irish U-19 and U-24 teams winning gold in the team events, making Ireland the leading nation at the event. The Irish teams also enjoyed further individual success, winning a silver medal in the Under-19 Championship, together with silver and bronze medals in the inaugural U-24 Championship.

Flying the flag for both Ireland and Coosan & District Anglers Association in the Under-19 Championship was Doon native Jack McGuinness, who earned his place on the Irish team through outstanding performances during the national qualifying campaign. Jack’s efforts helped Ireland secure the Team Gold Medal, a fantastic achievement for the young Irish squad.

Also representing Coosan was Athlone native Sean Dempsey, who was appointed coach of the Irish U-24 team. Throughout the championship, Sean played a key role in preparing and supporting the anglers, helping them adapt to changing conditions, and providing guidance throughout five demanding competition sessions.

Sean’s contribution was rewarded in spectacular fashion as the Irish Under-24 team created history by becoming the first-ever Under-24 World Fly Fishing champions, winning Team Gold in the inaugural championship. The team also celebrated individual silver and bronze medal performances, completing a memorable week for Irish fly fishing.

In September, Sean will once again represent Ireland when he competes at the Senior World Fly Fishing Championships in Idaho, USA, having earned his place on the Irish senior team. The Irish team will be managed by his father, Frank Dempsey, making it a proud father-and-son partnership on the world stage.

The pair also worked together at last year’s Youth World Championships in Idaho, where Frank managed the Irish Under-19 team and Sean served as team coach.

Coosan & District Anglers Association extended its warmest congratulations to both Jack and Sean on their outstanding achievements, saying: “To have two club members play key roles in Irish teams that both returned home as world champions is a remarkable accomplishment and a source of immense pride for the club and the wider Athlone community. Their success is an inspiration to the next generation of anglers and demonstrates that local talent can compete with, and beat, the very best in the world.”