CONOR BANG ON TARGET FOR EUROPEAN CROWN!

The European champion, who brought the specialist shooting world title to Ireland for the first time last year, took home a cash prize and the prestigious trophy after an impressive two days of high scoring shoot-outs.

On the last day of the event the 32 year-old stole the crown after a flawless sudden death shoot-off with Britain’s Andy Calpin, who, like Conor, had scored a total of 94 targets across both days.

“I’m really happy at the win, especially as I was up against all the top double grade shooters from across England, who are considered best in the world,” the dad-of-two told the MAIL.

Conor scored an impressive 49 out of 50 points on the first day of the British Field Target Association supported event, and a total of 45 out of 50 targets on the final day.

“I’m disappointed that I didn’t get 50 out of 50 on the first day,” added Conor.

“I was more successful in the sudden death stand-off at 45 metres. I went first and scored two out of two targets, the man I was up against didn’t get any.”

Organiser of the European Championship, Tony Cook, said the Ardboe man’s skill set a new bar for the games.

“Conor’s display has shown the level this championship now demands,” he said.

“As always, the European’s bring together some of the finest shooters out there and it’s a pleasure to see so many competitors step up to the challenge and take part.”

Last year Conor beat off competition from 26 different countries in the Field Target World Championships held in Italy.

The former St Mary’s Grammar School student, who only took up the sport seven years ago, scored a total of 139 out of 150 points over the triple day event to take the trophy.

Now he can add the European accolade to his fast growing cabinet of shooting awards.