Thanks to Hilltop for hosting the second sanctioned competition of the 2025 season at Lough Bo Shooting Centre in Sligo on 22 and 23 March. The event featured a range of disciplines, including 50m Prone Rifle, 50m Benchrest Rifle, Gallery Rifle (Smallbore and Centrefire), and Target Pistol events such as 25m Precision, T&P1, and Multi-Target.
Competitors faced very contrasting weather conditions over the two days. Saturday was marked by persistent rain, challenging everyone’s focus and equipment resilience. There were definitely a few soggy bottoms and kneecaps from the kneeling and sitting positions needed for the 1500!
In contrast, Sunday may have brought clear skies but it introduced freezing and blustery winds which tested shooters’ stability and precision.
Despite these challenges, the competition proceeded smoothly, thanks to the spirit of volunteerism from members of other clubs around the country and the adaptability of the competitors. The varying weather conditions definitely added an extra layer of complexity, but it highlighted everyone’s capacity (or maybe stubborn streak) to persevere in the diverse Irish climate.
Match results can be found here. Scoring challenges will be accepted until midnight Friday, 28th March.
The next event scheduled is at Bracken Shooting Club on 12 and 13 April. Keep an eye on the Events calendar here on the website for more competition dates in the future.
