New season gets underway for shooters

However, the blustery conditions saw a low turnout of only 44 guns brave enough to tackle the winds, although there was no rain which could only be an advantage.

The day saw a strange turn of events as numerous top shooters turned up, but were turned off by the stormy weather so there was everything to gain for those taking on the targets.

After the nine squads the top score of the day was 289 shot by Jason Coffey, Ronald Sloan, and William Donnelly, leading to a shoot-off.

After an equally frustrating and tricky final, it was Mourne shooter Sloan who came out top dog.

In general scores were lower than usual with no-one able to post a 100 score, most likely due to the windy conditions. However there were still numerous local shooters in the prizes.

Rathfriland man Gary Laffin came out on top in B class, shooting 96/280. Banbridge junior Aaron McDowell was also amongst the prizes, finishing third in class A with 97/281.

The day arguably belonged to the Mourne contingent though with Ronald Sloan finishing High Gun as mentioned. However, B class finished with Alan Charleton runner-up and Mark McConnell in third with 95/275 and 92/272 respectively.

The club would like to thank all the shooters who turned up and took on the tough test on offer and offer thanks to all those who helped with the smooth running of the day. This is a great help, and the busy day’s shooting would not be the same without it.

The final class results were as follows: High Gun – Ronald Sloan; AA 1st, Jason Coffey; AA 2nd, Damien Corvan; AA 3rd, Norval Harrison. A 1st, William Donnelly; A 2nd, Ewan Plenderleith; A 3rd, Aaron McDowell. B 1st, Gary Laffin, B 2nd, Alan Charleton, B 3rd, Mark McConnell. C 1st, Alfie Brown; C 2nd, David McBride, C 3rd, John McNeill.