Angling in Leitrim Gets a Boost with IFI's 2024 Sponsorship Programme
Four initiatives/events in Leitrim will receive funding from the sponsorship programme
Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Sponsorship programme is awarding €30,000 in supports for 83 angling events and initiatives in 2024, including four in County Leitrim.
The programme is a key funding mechanism by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) to promote sustainable angling tourism in rural areas - while also assisting initiatives for beginner and young anglers.
IFI’s 2024 nationwide sponsorship grants are to be distributed in counties Carlow, Cavan, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Meath, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, and Wicklow.
IFI’s investment will support 37 coaching events for novice and juvenile anglers, 26 events run by fishing clubs/federations, 12 locally-hosted international competitions and will also assist elite teams competing overseas in 2024.
In Leitrim, Lakelands Angling Club in Ballinamore will see grants for three events: Ballinamore Angling Festival, Junior Competition, and Youth Coaching days. Lough Rowan Angling Club will also see beneficiaries for the Ladies Open Fly Fishing Competition.
Suzanne Campion IFI’s Head of Finance and Corporate Services said: “IFI has allocated €300k in sponsorship supports in the past decade. This has made angling in Ireland more accessible, more sustainable, and more attractive to young people and families.
“Based on uptake in previous years, we expect more than 800 overseas anglers to take part in competitions featuring in 2024, with an additional 600 novice anglers expected to try fishing.
“Our annual sponsorship initiative attracts both domestic and overseas angling tourism to rural communities, thus contributing significantly to local economies.
“Angling can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, and one beginner’s fishing trip can turn into a lifetime’s recreational pursuit.”
Inland Fisheries Ireland’s allocations will also boost elite training pathways, and support women’s teams and four youth teams to represent Team Ireland at international events abroad.
IFI sponsorship can include financial support, biosecurity support, equipment loans, staff assistance, or a combination as required.