Ronald holds on for the win at Rathfriland

The fantastic weather brought shooters out in full force, resulting in a total of 15 lines. From these, 15 shooters managed the 20/60 score, 10 of which stayed for the final.

Shoot-off one was made up of Geoff Dale, Ronald Sloan, Derek McAdam, Raymond Graham and Alex Graham. It was a particularly sweet night for Rathfriland shooter Raymond Graham who, over five lines, managed to total a score of 100/300; a fantastic performance from an ever-improving shooter.

He continued this wonderful form in the shoot-off, shooting another 20/60 along with Mourne man Ronald Sloan.

The second shoot-off consisted of David Henning, veteran shooter Noel Carson, George Gracey, Neville Ferguson and junior shooter Damian Corvan. It was Henning, Carson and Ferguson who equalled the 20/60's with Noel Carson impressing with some excellent shooting.

The five straight shooters went at it in single barrel competition. From this Ronald Sloan and Noel Carson continued to impress with further 20/60 scores. In fast-fading light under sudden-death conditions and despite a couragous effort from Noel Carson it was Ronald Sloan who held on for the win, bringing to an end a fantastic night's shooting.

Final results were as follows: 1st, Ronald Sloan; 2nd, Noel Carson; 3rd, Raymond Graham; 4th, David Henning.

The club would like to thank those who made a special effort in the running of the shoot as the help is very much appreciated. Shooting at Rathfriland resumes on Thursday May 27 at 5pm sharp.

In other shooting news local shooters were hitting the headlines at the weekend. Saturday May 22 saw the biggest DTL shoot on the calendar, held at Ballykelly.

Class B at this event was taken over by County Down shooters. Class B winner was Raymond Graham, finishing on 291 to take home the badge. Banbridge junior Aaron McDowell was runner-up on 289, and Ballyvea stalwart Davy Megaw finished third, shooting 285.

Aditionally, several members of the Northern Ireland contingent who took the trip to the DTL world championships in South Africa recently attented a reception from the council, held at Banbridge District Council.

The event, hosted by council Chairman Elizabeth Ingram, was held to celebrate the success of local shooters including team captain Nick McKeown, runner-up in singles competition, and also junior shooters such as Aaron McDowell and Alex Graham, both of whom won medals in South Africa.

Team manager Hugh Ervine was also congratulated on the success of the team who finished fourth in the overall competition.

This was an event very well-received by those in attendance and a good night was had by all.