It's double gold for Bann's Joanne

It capped a sensational final fortnight for the club, who earned five podium place while Joanne also claimed a new Northern Ireland record.

On the 24th January, the Northern Ireland Archery Society Junior Indoor Championships, which were held in Banbridge Leisure Centre, saw young archers from all over NI shoot for the much-coveted awards.

BAC’s rising star Niamh O’Hare, who has only been shooting for just over a year, narrowly missed out on a gold medal by only two points to claim the silver in the U16 Girls Barebow category.

The following weekend, the Ulster Open Championships were held at Craigavon Leisure Centre on 30th January. This extremely well attended inaugural championship had archers attending from all over Ireland.

BAC’s Joanne Walker won gold in the Ladies Barebow category and set a new NI record of 507 for 60 arrows and 1001 for the double round.

One day later, on 31st January, the NI Senior Indoor Championships took place at Newry High School.

This also proved to be a very successful day for the Banbridge club.

After leading a 60 arrows qualification round in the Ladies Barebow category, the number one ranked Joanne Walker went on to win the gold medal after a very close head to head match.

Joanne also broke her one day old 60-arrow NI record (507), from the day before, to claim a new NI record of 509.

Also in the Senior Indoor Championship Barebow, Lisa McConnell shot a very intense match and won the bronze award.

In the Gents Barebow category, Gary Blair shot a personal best score in the qualification round and went on to claim bronze in his head to head match.

CLUB SESSIONS

Banbridge Archery Club’s indoor sessions continue until mid-May on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 9.30pm at St Patrick’s College. Banbridge.

If you are interested in trying archery, please contact club secretary Lisa McConnell on [email protected]. Everyone, including complete beginners, are most welcome.