_NEWS_ENTRY(30/1/00,UCD Air Rifle Open)
_LINKPHOTO(images/Pictures/UCDOpen_2000/UCD_bw.jpg,DURC Competitors at the UCDRC Air Open)
_DURC fielded a team of six competitors to the
_LINK(air_UCDOpen_2000.html,_UCDRC Air Open) this
year, who acquitted themselves very well indeed, despite some logistical
hiccups for UCD. After a somewhat late start, (and some reluctance to
pose for the required event photo!), the competitors took between just
under an hour and just over ninty minutes to complete the 60 shots.
After seeing how this author had stolen the glory with a somewhat
astonishing 394 (although he had some assistance from cramp and a
required change of firing point mid-detail), the other competitors
decided that the only thing left to do was to get the highest possible
score. Raymond Reilly placed highest amongst the _DURC entries with 569
and second place overall, showing he's still on track to make the national
squad this year. Even shooting with an injured hand which hadn't fully
healed, Ian Marnane managed a 513, while muttering something about
preferring free rifle! The major surprise though, was Sharon Wall,
DURC's new trainee range officer, with a 462 on her first 60-shot match,
winning her category with a healthy margin and displaying a level of
ability we haven't seen in several years. We expect great things of
her now! Also making her debut in the competitive air rifle community
was Aisling Broderick, with a very respectable score of 426, and we're
confidant that this will only get better. Club Captain Alan Smyth put in
a 460, coming first in the Class C section, but enjoyed less success
while attempting to make a clean getaway with _UCDRC's pizza ! 
Overall Rhona Barry placed first with a 580, showing her usual
impressive form. For all the results, see _LINK(UCDAirOpen_2000.html,here)