Team Ireland Youth

Team Ireland travelled to the River Sava in  August 2022 to fish against youth anglers from 14 nations. The Under 20 team consisting of seasoned juniors Rhys Walsh and John Browne along with Charlie also included two young anglers Brian Clark and Donagh McSherry making their first appearance on the international circuit.

The team did well during the practise week catching the bonus fish required to fish against those teams experienced in catching small fish, mainly bleak with small vimba and chub. Yet it was Charlie who during the competition weekend was able to hold his own in the small fish race, netting small carp of 70-90g the equivalent to 10-12 bleak. Third in his section on day one Charlie finished first in section with 6kg48g on day two to finishing with 8kg512g. This helped to stretch his advantage as he finished an equal 4 points with England’s Callum Jennings 7kg791g and Slovenian Kemen Rožič Šoštar securing the gold medal on weight. The 17-year-old from County Leitrim first made his debut on the world stage with the Under 15 squad in Ireland, 2017 has now made history for Irish coarse angling as the first youth medallist.

Team Ireland ranked 12th at the 35th World Coarse Angling Championships for the Under 20’s. The squad led by Manager Gavin Walsh was supported by Coach James O’Doherty and the parents of those participating were assisted with funding from the federation and Inland Fisheries Ireland, IFI with their groundbait sponsored by Sensas.

Team Manager Gavin Walsh who previously led a junior squad to a gold medal team win at the Celtic Cup in 2011, says: – “I am extremely proud of all the team and delighted to see the passion and hard work from Charlie come good for him as an individual. I hope this gold medal will revitalise the dreams and ambitions of young anglers across the island and keep coarse angling sport relevant.”