Talented Longford brothers star for Ireland at World Kayak Championships in Germany

Jake (16) and Luke (14) Bermingham, two brothers from Ballymahon, members of Inny Kayak Club and students in Mercy Secondary School have just returned from the ICF Freestyle World Championships in Plattling, Germany. 

Jake who placed 7th in the World proudly represented Ireland alongside 18 other Irish participants in the competition with more than 229 athletes from 24 nations from all five continents with Kenya and India represented for the first time. 

Freestyle kayaking is a fun, fast and dynamic discipline of the sport of Kayaking.  Freestyle paddlers use the white-water waves and holes to perform surf and gymnastic style manoeuvres and tricks. The sport uses short kayaks designed to surf and spin across the water and release into the air.  In competitions, freestyle kayakers gain points for every different trick they perform, with bonus points awarded if they get their boat out of the water and into the air. Competition runs last 45 seconds.

Also read: Longford family humbly appeal for support to help their 'precious son' fight for his life

The World Championship competition itself came to a premature end two days early, with water levels on the river falling below the minimum requirement set by the German Canoe Federation. This meant the medals were awarded based on the results of the last round of the event which had been completed. While this was not the end to the competition anyone would have wanted, with many paddlers missing the opportunity to improve their placings, Team Ireland’s strong performances throughout the competition meant the Team would not be coming home empty handed.  Team Ireland secured 2 gold medals, 1 sliver and 2 bronze along with a phenomenal 13 top 10 finishes.

The 2025 World Championships also played host to the first ever Cadets International Open, an event for younger freestyle paddlers to experience the buzz of a major freestyle competition and get a chance to compete against their peers from around the globe. Luke brought home a silver medal in the men’s cadet kayak category, a fantastic achievement for his first world event.

What’s next for Jake and Luke…they both will continue to train and compete along with just enjoying their weekly river trips.  Their next competition is in Clonmel at Southeast Fest in August and then they travel to UK to attend the European Open Freestyle event in Nottingham.  After that their focus turns to 2026, they hope to go the World Cup in Sort, Spain and the European Championships in Lieksa Finland.

Also read: PICTURES: Co Longford's Kenagh Festival has another successful turn out

All their hard work and dedication paid off, Jake is now ranked 7th in the World in junior men category and Luke will be old enough next year to represent Ireland, their future is definitely bright!

If you would like to get involved in kayaking check out www.innykayakclub.com or your local kayak club on www.canoe.ie