8 hours ago
Wexford archer claims World Bowhunter prize in South Africa
Dunbrody's four competitors were Mark Daly, Helen Kavanagh, Catherine Power and Kevin Power, who travelled across the world alongside seven other Irish archers from various parts of the country.
The terrain and trails of the competition proved challenging as much as the targets themselves, and as Mark and Helen finished in 4th, Kevin, who had recently returned to archery, finished in a very commendable 9th position. But it was The Rower woman, Catherine Power, who tasted podium success with a superb 3rd place and bronze medal to top her various other victories to date.
She, much like her teammates, were committed to their preparations for the world event and a spokesperson for the club, Andrew Wayland, said the members 'are delighted that it was fruitful for Catherine and is the highlight of her archery career to date.'
Amalgamating temporarily for the Shooting Styles team event while they were abroad, Mark, Catherine and Helen, along with Wexford Archery Club's Lynn Ellingworth, narrowly missed out on bronze, but through no fault of their own. This was following an official omission and subsequent review which beforehand had seen them in silver medal position. They were presented with an award for their 4th place result, which for Ireland is a very impressive achievement.
Meanwhile, in the World Indoor Mailmatch League, the club had no fewer than 25 archers competing and the club archers excelled as they placed in the upper tiers of their respective shooting categories. Mark Daly was victorious in the highly competitive AMBHR class and Jane Carroll was 3rd in the equally competitive female equivalent (AFBHR) with Clodagh Nolan in 5th. Whilst there were top ten finishes for most across the categories, the younger archers fared well with a top spot for Darragh Maloney in Cub Male Long Bow Class and a silver for Aoibhinn Cowley in Cub Female Trad Recurve Class.
Between competitions and their preparations, the club recently welcomed French visitors, Les Archers Béarnais, to Dunbrody Archers. Organised by the Dunbrody Committee, the six archers from near Lourdes, enjoyed a day with Dunbrody members Padraic, Tony, Ian and Andrew in the woods, followed by lunch, as they went on to spend their next morning the neighbouring Wexford Archery Club, among other groups around the country.
On the recent archery circuit Dunbrody Archers have competed and excelled at events in counties Wexford, Mayo, Limerick, Meath, Wicklow, Laois, Fermanagh, Galway, Tipperary, and Sligo, and on the less competitive side, archers from Dunbrody attended a bow making course hosted by Master Bowyer, Jack Pinson in Co. Sligo.
'The club shines and revels in community involvement and we love to participate in community occasions where possible. You may see us at shows and festivals throughout the year such as the Fethard festival or the Irish Woodland show.
"With almost 100 people in Dunbrody Archers ranging from all ages, the club continues to shine as it celebrates 21 years in existence this year,' commented,' Mr Wayland concluded.
