Over the weekend Archers from around Ireland descended on Woodville House & Gardens woods for the Eddie’s Rat Challenge – 10 years of Wexford Archery, shoot…
Archers came from all corners of Ireland, Limerick, Laois, Meath, Cork & Wexford, Bunclody, Enniscorthy, Wexford, New Ross , beyond & between.
Archery legend, Eddie Ryan founded Wexford Archery and held the first Shoot November 2013. In short order, Eddie had a quick line up of novice, enthusiasts and expert archers join his new club. Eddie has great skill in setting up challenging shoots & a reputation for unique positioning of ‘The Rat’ & it’s equally petit pals.
Ten years on, November 2023, Don Bradley Wexford Archery’s, current chairperson designed and set out the course with a trusted few for the shoot. Secrecy was key until the day of the shoot.
Over his 20 year plus career in Archery, Don has brought many archers into the fold, around Ireland. Representing Ireland in Archery around the world over the decades. Don and friends have brought back many Ideas, making Archery the popular sport it is today.
Don has participated in and developed many clubs around Ireland such as Blue Arrows which became Valley Bowman Archery in Kilmeaden, Waterford & Aos Dana Archery near Arthurstown, County Wexford. In 2004 Don founded Dunbrody Archers, New Ross, they celebrate their 20th anniversary next year. Many remember Dons ‘Archery for All’ facilities at Cushinstown, County Wexford. To name but a few of his Archery endeavours. In 2013 when Eddie put out the call for Archers, Don was there.
Eddie’s Rat challenge being a celebration of the years and a selection of difficult shots. If the 6 weeks imposed, restricted archery access combined with tight lipped course setters, to the woods had been difficult for club members to bear, the 26th of November course, made up for it.
Designed in the vein of shoots of back in the day, of previous decades. Though 21st Century safety rules for the sport of Archery adhered to. ‘Find the shot’ It was foot to the peg, shooting around trees. Surprise, semi hidden target critters amongst the tree roots & in vibrant leaves. Seated shots. The woods scattered with technical shots that’d make your eyes water. Distances, kneeling and of course Eddie’s Rat challenge shot.
Sé out did himself putting this bobbing Rat together. One arrow and One shot from 20 yards at ‘The Rat’. Deceptively slow ‘The Rat’ rose & fell, when the archer stepped onto the plate. Poised the Archer watches the rat rise & drop, taking aim, twice up & down, last chance to let loose before the Rat disappears a third time, then it’s gone.
A great day was had by all who traveled near and far to share the day. Lots of wonderful scores, stories of shots and skills were on show.
With Dons 70 years, young, Birthday vibes in the air, ‘there was cake’.
The natural Irish woodland at Woodville House & Gardens are fabulous. Nature reclaiming from previous centuries human intervention at its best and protected by the lands current custodians. Wexford Archery are grateful to the Gerard & the Roche family for giving them access to their splendid forestry & their continued support of the club.
How do you do Archery? Find ‘Wexford Archery on Facebook we’re happy to share our knowledge or find an Archery club near you on the IFAF website at fieldarchery.ie. Start at any age, mobility & ability. There are bows & equipment for people of all size, shape, strength & skill.
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