Three anglers from Loughrea were part of the Irish Trout Fly Fishing Association (ITFFA ) Youth Team that made history by winning an unprecedented sixth consecutive gold medal at the 2026 Youth International Fly Fishing Championships.
Held on Lough Lene, Collinstown in County Westmeath, teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England competed over three days. Jack and Jamie Wade, and Jack Reidy from Loughrea were part of the Ireland team who once again proved their dominance, delivering an outstanding team performance to retain the international title.
Preparations for the championships were far from straightforward. Exceptionally warm weather in the weeks leading up to the event saw water temperatures rise, forcing trout into deeper water where they proved reluctant to take traditional imitative fly patterns. Fortunately, cooler temperatures and strong winds in the days before the competition transformed conditions, encouraging fish back into the upper layers of the lake and providing competitors with more favourable fishing.
Under the guidance of coach Denis Goulding, the Irish team prepared meticulously for the event. Training sessions focused on methods, fly selection, line choice and tactics, ensuring every angler was ready for the challenge. Denis, who has been involved with the youth programme on and off for 18 years, was praised for his unwavering commitment to developing Ireland’s young anglers.
The team was captained by Jacob Griffin of Tyrone with Colm Coyle, also from Tyrone serving as vice-captain. Many members of the squad arrived at Lough Lene having only recently competed in the World Youth Angling Championships. Despite the physical and mental demands, the whole team showed tremendous resilience, determination and team spirit, proudly representing Ireland throughout the competition.
The Final Team Standings were Ireland claiming gold, with 54 fish totalling 1,913 points. Silver medal went to Scotland with 44 fish totalling 1,671 points, and Wales secured bronze with 30 fish totalling 1,095 points.
Ireland’s sixth successive international title is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the dedication of the anglers, coaches, volunteers, families and supporters who continue to make Irish youth fly fishing one of the strongest programmes in international competition.
