Louth archers represent Ireland at World Championships

Louth archers represented Team Ireland at the World Archery 3D Championships 2024. The Championship took place from 30th September to 6th October in and around the medieval Mokrice Castle, which is set in the beautiful Gorjanci Hills in Slovenia on the border with Croatia.

While it is in Slovenia, the border runs through the castle, so competitors had to take their passports with them while competing in the World 3D Championships! Three members of CúChulainn Archers were part of the Team, Neil Keeble, Mark Young and Ryan Dougan.

While the unofficial practice was available for those who arrived before the 30th, things really started off for everyone on Monday with Registration, Equipment Inspection, Official Practice, Team Manager's Meeting and Opening Ceremony.

Tuesday saw the start of the Championship proper, with the first of the qualifiers taking place. Archers were assigned into groups and sent to one of three courses, Blue (Traditional Archers) Yellow (Compound Archers) or Red (Barebow Archers).

The groups were called together at 10.15am, and the qualifying competitions started at 10.45 and continued until 3.15 pm each day. Results were collated and the Archers returned to their accommodation to await the morning and the second qualifier.

Scores were discussed and equipment checked by anxious Archers as the second qualifier loomed. In the Individual Qualifiers in Barebow, (CúChulainn members on the team) Ryan Dougan finished in 36th position, Neil Keeble in 40th with Mark Young finished 54th in Traditional.

Well done to all members of the Irish Team on their results in what is a very testing and competitive Championships. Cuchulainn Archers holds beginner courses in Dundalk and Drogheda throughout the year. Enquiries to cuchulainnarchers@hotmail.com