As chairman of blackdog archers I would like to thank all the archers who travelled to Cork last weekend and helped to make the shoot a great sucess. We found that parts of the course were very boggy and we will be sorting them out. I would also like to thank all our club members who helped to build the course. Looking foward to seeing you all soon.
Pat Morrissey

Lots of credit must go to the Black dog gang for hosting such an enjoyable event last weekend.
They agreed to host these Champs back in 2007, -a rather difficult undertaking as not many clubs round the country could hold such a competition due to space restrictions or lack of bodies to commit to helping with preparations… However, the Cork gangs dedication and commitment to the cause paid off big time. Four different rounds of fourteen targets over the two days- Well laid out with lots of interesting targets, especially the 3D's in the new side of the woods. (We won’t mention those annoying round faces…..)
The weather was very nice throughout ( glad to see that the club finally paid to have the black water filled cloud (that usually drifts over that part of Cork ) -tied up somewhere far out in the Atlantic Ocean.)
Even the midgets (i.e. midges) were out to greet us for a time. However that was not enough to deter dozens of enthusiastic archers. The surroundings were very nice, the atmosphere great. No shortage of parking and good humour amongst the archers (as usual..)
The only disappointing thing to note was that numbers shooting were not higher and that several clubs were not represented. After all the work put in by the Cork lads and lassies it was a pity that greater numbers didn’t show up over the two days.
Perhaps two days of archery is not suitable for some people, but from my point of view and that of my club mates generally, I felt the two days were very enjoyable and helped to bond friendships, increase the competitive edge, and was vital in enhancing the importance and status of IFAF National Championships.
Dunbrody was well represented with all those that attended from our club enjoying the whole experience whole heartedly.. And success went to our club too. Well done to all. The trophies were lovely also. It was nice to see the two perpetual trophies (The Dunbrody trophy, and Blue Arrows trophy) on display before the winner was announced. In time it would be great if there was a nice perpetual trophy in all classes at the annual Champs.
The meal on the Saturday night was another enjoyable experience… good food in good company. Another memorable part of the weekend.
We would like to thank Helen for putting so many of us up at her home. She was a terrific host as were her family.
So we look forward to the Champs next year where ever they are held. Once again well done to the organisers and helpers at Black dog… I won’t list names as I’ll surely leave somebody out.
Andrew Wayland, Dunbrody

Congratulations to Black Dog for hosting a great weekend of shooting and rising to the challenge of hosting the National Championships with great style.
Four disciplines over two days and two half courses with a few pegs moving over the Saturday night were a good challenge for all. The targets appeared to be very hittable, but some expert use of rising and dropping ground by the course setters meant that it was experience, technique and stamina that drew the field apart and won the day for the deserving few.
Having shot a lot courses both home and abroad over the past couple of years, (including the One and Two arrow 3D rounds in Switzerland last year. I felt that the 3D course stood out as particularly well devised for its purpose, displaying the guile and artful eye that you find in the best examples of the course setting.
Those who were put off by a gloomy weather forecast missed out on two great days of archery in perfect conditions and the good company of fellow archers on the Saturday night
Well done to Pat, Dave and all the Black Dog for raising the bar a notch.
Fintan - Dunbrody Archers

This was a fantastic shoot for our first Irish champs.
There was so much involved in the origination that even the midges made a big effort in coming out to greet every archer and spectator who turned up. Having been visited many times myself I would like to thank each and every one of them.
The hospitality was second to none and I would like to thank Helen and family for looking after us and putting family life on hold while we took over and invaded the homestead for the weekend. We couldn't have asked for better anywhere else and were sent off each morning with our packed lunch and hot flasks. Thanks Helen.
The weather for the shoot was lovely with warm sunshine and a cool breeze blowing. Perfect.
The shoot itself was well laid out with an excellent use of the land incorporating shooting over the river and the 3 crossing points with well laid blocks to keep the feet dry. 3D shots were challenging but not beyond the reach of most bows with lots of close and small targets. It was also arrow friendly and did not claim many victims. The big thing with the one arrow shoot was getting the archer to think about the shot.
The rings on the first day were challenging as we are not used to shooting the distance or little white rings and they took their toll on some of us. Animal faces were all seen before and no surprise with them.
This was an excellent week end and I hope that there can be more of this type of shoot put on in the future. If there are any archers who missed this one, look out, for this is what makes archery the sport it is, with the social end - (taking over the bistro for the night) and enjoying ourselves with friends and family and meeting old friends, having a drink and camping.
EXCELLENT..
Mark Ivory, Loughcrew

   CALENDAR       HOME

   RESULTS  

---

Photos by Don P

And the awards - nearly one for everyone in the audience

and David L

   CALENDAR       HOME