The DCU Archery Club had an excellent start to the year, recruiting over 150 new members and hosting the DCU Intervarsity Competition held on November 10th. Close to 200 participants from colleges around the country were welcomed, including: UCC, UL, IT Tallaght, GMIT Castlebar, Dundalk IT, RCSI and more. Ireland’s top-ranked female archer Sinead Cuthbert was among the guest shooters.
In light of successes in previous years, 2012/2013 had a disappointing start. The club did, however, have some winners: Sarah Moloney, third Female Intermediate Recurve; Gary Kelly, first Male Intermediate Recurve; and Andrew Carr, third Male Beginner Recurve. Some of the clubs newer members also competed on the day showing impressive scores and, although many medals weren’t pocketed, the entire team did the club proud.
With only a week’s respite, the second intervarsity competition was held in Dundalk IT on November 17th. Fourteen archers were sent to compete, many of whom began this year, and they achieved greater success than the previous week.
DCU came third in the Team Recurve category with Sarah Moloney, David Boyle, Adam MacSuibhne and Philip Early. The compound team also finished third, with Cat Malone and Cillian Byrne. Some team members also placed in individual categories: Philip Early, second Male Beginner Recurve; Sarah Moloney, first Female Intermediate Recurve; and Cat Malone, second Female Advanced Compound.
With many of our seasoned members taking time to concentrate on college and training before the next intervarsity, there is a competition tailored specifically for beginners being held in Carlow IT on December 1st. Any aspiring archers who are members of the club are eligible to compete in the competition on behalf of DCU, so please attend training for more details.
All DCU students and staff are welcome to join the archery club. Simply turn up to one of the training sessions and pay the €4 joining fee (it’s necessary for insurance reasons) or come and watch to see if you’re interested. The DCU Archery club train in the Main Hall in the Sports Complex on Wednesday 4 – 6 p.m. and Friday 4 – 7 p.m.
Marie Phelan
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