Mayo archers sweep medals at national bowhunter championships
It was a landmark weekend for Mayo archery as local competitors returned from Wexford with an impressive haul of silverware from the IFAF National Bowhunter Championship, confirming the sport's rapid growth across the county.
Hosted by the Aos Dána Archery Club in Wexford, the premier event drew over 150 archers from across the island of Ireland.
Unlike standard target archery shot on flat outdoor fields or indoors, field archery sees competitors navigate natural terrain outdoors, judging unmarked distances to hit 3D animal targets set among woods, hills, and rough ground. It requires sharp instincts, quick visual assessment, and steady nerves over two days of terrain walking and shooting.
Mayo's archers proved more than equal to the physical and technical challenge, claiming top honours across multiple divisions over the weekend of September 12/13.
In the Bowhunter Recurve, Ballina’s Rory Langdon showed great composure across Sunday’s final target loop to hold off a late challenge and close out the national title. There was high drama in the Barebow Recurve, where Dominic Hughes of Kiltimagh delivered a superb performance over two days of shooting to tie for first place. With high pressure on the line, Hughes held his nerve in the single-arrow shoot-off to claim gold.
Meanwhile, Michael Hambly (Mayo Abbey) delivered a commanding display in Traditional Recurve, putting on a display of technique to claim another national title for the county.
The podium successes did not end there. Foxford’s Anthony McDermott and Crossmolina’s James Moloney added to the Mayo hardware, taking second and third place respectively in their division after a close-run battle over the weekend.
Ballina's Amby Greham also marked his debut appearance at the National Championships by setting a fresh personal best score.
These results cap off a strong month for local archery following Karol Donnelly’s silver-medal achievement at the British Transplant Games in Sheffield.
The club’s foundation was built on by Harald and Cornelia Hoellrigl, who first introduced the sport locally over 20 years ago, while Knockmore-based coach Brendan McHugh has guided club development and growth in recent years.
With interest at an all-time high, the club will host its next beginners' course shortly at Foxford Leisure Centre. Beginners of all fitness levels and ages are welcome, with all equipment provided.
