Anglers to descend on Lough Mask for World Cup 70th anniversary

Anglers from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, and possibly further afield, will descend on Ballinrobe next month to compete for the prestigious World Cup Trout Fly Angling Championship on Lough Mask. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the event first held in 1953, and the competitors will attempt to depose 2022 winner, Seamus Cash (Kildare).

Ever since Jack Stack won the first event in 1953, the World Cup has been a cornerstone fixture on the Irish angling calendar.

“The heats will take place from Wednesday to Saturday, August 2 to 5, with the final going ahead on Sunday, August 6. In the 70 years since the World Cup was first held, it has taken place every year bar five. Two of the five blank years were 2020 and 2021, both years falling victim to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Denis Kelleher, PRO, World Cup committee.

The World Cup was inaugurated in 1953 to mark An Tostal, which featured a nationwide celebration of cultural and sporting events. It was the contribution of Castlebar and District Trout Anglers to An Tostal. The event has since been organised by a committed Ballinrobe-based World Cup committee.

Wednesday, July 19, is the closing date for entries which must be sent to Esther Sweeney, Secretary, 30 Lakelawns, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo. Enquiries can be directed to Esther on 087 2222867.

“This year will see some major changes in the regulations and all entrants are asked to visit our website www.WorldCupTroutFly.com to view all revisions. The site will also publicise the daily draws and results,” added Denis.

“The regulation changes this year include an end to the practice of drawing competitors form the hat in a heat where fish are scarce. All competitors who qualify for the final day will be required to have a catch in the heat. On final day, the heaviest catch of up to four fish will determine the World Cup winner for 2023.”

Anyone wishing to offer B&B to anglers in the Lough Mask area is asked to contact Billy Burke on 086 064 6222.

The triumphant angler will receive the silver World Cup (perpetual), a 19ft lake boat sponsored by Gareth Foley and the World Cup committee, a 15hp Yamaha engine sponsored by RMS Marine & the World Cup committee, and a Sage R8 fly rod, sponsored by Gowan & Bradshaw, Galway. Almost 30 prizes are up for grabs.

There is a special buzz around Ballinrobe on World Cup weekend as anglers haul their boats down the narrow and winding roads leading the magical fishing waters of the Mask. In the evenings, local pubs and restaurants fill up with talk of ones that got away and, for the lucky anglers, ones that succumbed to their persuasion.

The committee comprises: President, Joe Cusack; Chairperson, Mattie Lally; Secretary, Esther Sweeney; Treasurer, Kevin Egan; Boat Manager, Ronan Cusack; PRO, Billy Burke; Michael Vahey, Denis Kelleher, Declan Gibbons, Adrian Gorman and Gerard Moran.