In what were ideal weather conditions Teams from Ireland, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales took to the field for the 37th holding of the International Clay Target Shooting Council Olympic Skeet Home Countries International Tournament as Esker Shooting Grounds.

Having set the targets under the supervision of the jury, shooting started on time and despite the almost total lack of wind, sunshine and warm humid conditions it soon became apparent that 25 straights would be hard to find.

The first round produced just three straights, one for England New Cap Freddie Killander and two for Ireland in the shape of Jonathan McCarthy and Jerome Moore.

The second round produced no straights and at this stage Ireland had built up a healthy lead of nine targets with Jer Moore just one target away overall.

The third round saw the eventual High Gun Andrew Lea return his only straight of the day and he was the only person to do so at this stage.  England had begun to eat into the Ireland lead which was now cut in half and the tension was beginning to build.

As with most things it was the final round of scores that settled matters. 

Team Ireland Captain Sean Pawley Treacy led the way home with a final score of 92 and this looked like it was good enough to secure the Captains High Gun only for Rhys Price from Wales managing to find an elusive 25 straight to finish on 93.

Jonathan McCarthy finished as he had started with a 25 straight to see him tied for the Ireland High Gun and all eyes were on the last squad to shoot as the fate of the 2011 title rested on the shoulders of Irelands David Christie. 

Despite the fact that he had suffered a family bereavement overnight for which we would like to extend our condolences, David rose to the occasion and managed to close out with a 23 for a total of 91 to give Ireland their first win ever in this event.

This was a complete Ireland performance from the first man to the last (including our Lady Pip Watson and “Super” Veteran Eddie O’Brien) and we congratulate you all.

All was not over however and Sean Pawley Treacy and Jon McCarthy had to shoot off for the High Gun of Ireland which Jon took on the first pair.

The post-Tournament banquet and presentation of awards took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone and it undoubtedly turned out to be a long night for some and a memorable one for all, for an assortment of reasons…

We would like to thank everyone who made this Tournament possible and in particular Pat Donaghy and the Team at Esker Shooting Grounds who kept everything running smoothly and ICPSA Statistical Officer Robert Cavangh who ensured that up to the minute results and standings were available for all.

It is hoped that all our visitors enjoyed themselves and that they will bring back home many happy memories of Ireland and our summer of 2011 which for those of you who missed it took place on 20th August in East Galway at least!

The full results are now posted as a download attachment.