The wait was over and we really were heading to Northern Ireland to compete in the World Championships but before the shooting there lay a mighty journey ahead. We left home about 3pm, delayed only by Eddie's lack of a sleeping bag - later we would find that this wouldn't be the only thing he left at home.
The first leg of the journey took us north via the M6 to Carlisle and then west to Stranraer. We made good progress once beyond Manchester and the A75 to Stranraer was traffic free so we made good time. The scenery along this road was stunning and as the sun began to set we caught a glimpse of the majestic Tawny Owl. Hopefully a good omen!
Whilst waiting in the queue for the ferry Shaun received a text from home informing him of the arrival of his EV2 from Air Arms. Sods law!
The ferry left port about 11.30pm, the crossing was short and smooth and we took the opportunity to get some kip.
Thursday 21st August - Practise and Registration.
We were back on the road by 2.30am heading from Belfast further west to the city of Armagh and our campsite at Loughgall Country Park. This took only 45 minutes and soon we were attempting sleep in a side road opposite the park entrance. No surprise that we awoke at 6am, too excited to sleep we set off for Armagh. Loughgall is about 8 miles from the city so we were walking the streets in search of food by 7am. Not many people were about but we did experience our first example of Northern Ireland hospitality; we asked a chap if there was a cafe nearby and instead of telling us he showed us. This was to be repeated every time we asked for help; lovely people. With the cafe location found we had to kill time until it opened at 9am so a walk of the city centre followed. The city skyline is dominated by two cathedrals; not to be partisan we visited both. Here are Eddie and Greg in front of the Roman Catholic version, religious buildings were interesting but we were praying for food and at last we tucked in to the best Johnstone's bakery could offer.
Satisfied we decided to take a look at the shoot location which was at the Demesne Palace. The practise range was already active, we took a look but decided that the tent needed pitching and the car contents unpacked before our plinking session.
Back to Loughgall to erect our home for the next 4 days.
With that job complete it was back to Armagh for practise and registration. The plinking range was lower than the surrounding land and this lead to some interesting swirling wind. Some were experiencing lift and others drop. Confused Eddie texted for some advice!
Registration took place at 2pm. It was here that we would find out our shooting partners and which course would first test us tomorrow. Also there was chance to walk some of the courses. The event consisted of three 50 shot courses: red, white and yellow. The targets were coloured appropriately and clearly numbered so although the lanes of the different courses were interspersed there was no chance of shooting the wrong target. There were three distinct parts to the course: woodland, open field and, unusually, ornamental garden.
Registration took place at 2pm. It was here that we would find out our shooting partners and which course would first test us tomorrow. Also there was chance to walk some of the courses. The event consisted of three 50 shot courses: red, white and yellow. The targets were coloured appropriately and clearly numbered so although the lanes of the different courses were interspersed there was no chance of shooting the wrong target. There were three distinct parts to the course: woodland, open field and, unusually, ornamental garden.We would start tomorrow on different courses. Shaun on white with Karl Kawnik from Germany, Eddie on red with another German Timo Kessel and Greg on yellow with Neil Thorneycroft from Dowry Hill. We left the course and headed home via Spar where we picked up some essential victuals. It was now mid afternoon and the broken sleep and long journey had left us jaded so a snooze was in order. To help we used Phuket; a medicinal sleep inducer from Thailand and only 49p per bottle.
After a siesta we began to meet other campers. Adjacent to us were Manuel and Jose from Spain. Despite our only Spanish being "cerveza por favor" we managed to communicate thanks to their much better English, we became good friends and hope to see them again in Spain or maybe at Weston Park next year.
After a siesta we began to meet other campers. Adjacent to us were Manuel and Jose from Spain. Despite our only Spanish being "cerveza por favor" we managed to communicate thanks to their much better English, we became good friends and hope to see them again in Spain or maybe at Weston Park next year.Across the way were Dave and Paula Schofield and Bernard and Christine Rodgers. We had got to know Dave and Paula throughout the season and when he knew we were also camping Dave promised to cook us a curry. So the day ended in good company with an excellent chicken curry. Thanks Dave and Paula!
Friday 22nd August - shoot day 1
Friday 22nd August - shoot day 1Cheerios eaten, tea drunk it was time for competition and time to show the world our Bananawear.
The practise area was, as expected, already full as shooters tried to hone their skills and have a final chance of reading the wind.
Briefing was at 9.30am, it was in a quadrangle enclosed by the Palace Stables. This was our first chance to see everyone together, there were plenty of faces we knew from the GP scene and representatives from around the world: USA, South Africa, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Russia and of course Northern Ireland. As well as new faces there was new equipment on view, a few Schmidt and Bender scopes could be seen but most interest was shown to the Mach 1 rifles of the reigning champion Paul Cray and his USA team mates.
After a short safety briefing we were off. Conditions were fine and sunny but there was the swirling wind in the field to deal with and reports of difficulty in the garden area soon came along the line. Thankfully only little wind was felt in the woods but some lanes were in shadow and interesting target placement added to the challenge.As with any GP shooters that have finished are keen to find out the top scores. The quadrangle had an adjacent restaurant so after shooting competitors could chill out with a beer or a meal whilst waiting for all the news. When the scores began to be come in there were some familiar names at the top.
Day 1 scores
1. Ian Taylor 46
2. Craig McDonald 45
2. James Woodhead 45
4. Sam Monkman 44
4. Graham McKain 44 (Scotland)
4. Dave Schofield 44
And there were plenty of scores in the 40's including Paul Cray with 42. Given that the three different courses were used simultaneously the performance of the top guys could only be compared at the end of the competition in case one of the colours proved easier or harder than the others.
What of the Bananas?
Greg started on yellow and had a steady day amassing his now usual score of 31. Top score on yellow was 45 so Greg's first day = 69% (Watch out C graders this Winter League).
Eddie had the added difficulty of shooting in spring class, a discipline he has had little chance to practise, and he was a little downbeat after hitting just 7 targets on the red course.
Shaun shot white and after a poor start and dodgy middle he scored 33 (72%) compared to 40 for Karl his shooting partner.
A Magners followed by a Guinness and then fish and chips was sufficient to prepare us for a siesta; it is important that athletes rest in-between competitions. Awake again and ready to explore the night life of Armagh we met with our first disappointment; the taxi didn't show! Undeterred we set off to walk to the closest pub the Hoggs Bar. Thirty minutes later we arrived thirsty for the black stuff but disappointment 2
The Guinness was foul! After 2 pints of Tennants the bar maid came out to our table and observed the untouched beverage, offered her apology and the next round was a free one! At this time we moved from the comfort of the beer garden to the locals' domain; the bar! Once again, be it the Dander Inn Dunfermline or the Hoggs Bar Loughgall, we were made very welcome. Our Bananawear had attracted attention and we spent a happy hour talking about shooting and countless other topics. Our journey back was in the dark, all torches still in the tent, and talk was of food. So on arrival at the tent Shaun opened 3 cans of Heinz spag bol which we scoffed along with some onion rings, biscuits etc ... From out of the darkness visitors arrived; we shared a few cans and a chat with Ian and Graeme from Dowry Hill and Lyndeen from Bisley.
Saturday 23rd August - Shoot Day 2
Rain was promised and it came, accompanied with wind, about halfway through the shoot. This meant shooters that had started in the open conditions may have been advantaged as they finished their round in the cover of the woods. On the other hand the rain did offer clues as to the direction of the wind. One constant was the cold; you can't beat the British summer!
Scores Day 2
1. Ian Taylor 46 + 45 = 91
2. Dave Schofield 44 + 46 = 90
3. Andrew Gillot 42 + 47 = 89
4. Dorian Falconer 42 + 47 = 89 (Wales)
5. Craig McDonald 45 + 43 = 88
5. Sam Monkman 44 + 44 = 88
As yesterday there were plenty of 40+ scores. Paul Cray had added 41 for a total of 83 so it looked like his title was slipping away.
What of the Bananas?
Greg was delighted with his best ever score of 35 (74%), he ended the shoot wet, cold and happy.
Eddie improved his score to 10. This picture highlights his problem; his barrel kept breaking!
Shaun matched Greg's 35 but benefited from a lower top score on the yellow course to record 76%. He also got a little closer to Karl's 38.
Armagh was also host to the Ulster Rally. The Palace grounds were used as a holding ground for some of the cars. Their flashy livery and noisy engines were seen and heard regularly as was their single air horns that lead many to think a cease fire had been called.
The Bananas were not the only Millriders competing. Each day we met Mick Tromans for a chat.
Here we are in the quadrangle under the banner showing the flags of all the countries present.
The quadrangle also offered Greg a chance to get a picture of the USA team, Paul Cray is on the right.
After the now compulsory Magners, Guinness and chip shop we tried another taxi firm that promised they'd be there. Back at the campsite it was time for a cup of tea and to analyse the day gone and discuss expectations of tomorrow. All wet we welcomed a change of clothes and footwear only for Eddie to discover his spare boots were 400 miles away; trench foot beckoned!
The campsite was a football pitch, hence very flat, within a beautiful country park. We shared the location with flocks of House Martins and Swallows and Pied Wagtails were regular visitors looking for food around our tents.
Thankfully the taxi did turn up but we had already persuaded Manuel and Jose to come to Armagh and they insisted on driving and offered us a lift! We compromised, Greg went with our Spanish friends and Eddie and Shaun obliged the taxi driver. We visited the Hole in the Wall and had a great time trying to understand each other, the bar staff supplied a writing pad to help but I'm sure the Guinness helped more. It was then off to the Charlemont Hotel where we introduced Manuel and Jose to members of the English team and other shooters. Jose particularly wanted to meet Ian Taylor who was happy to have his photo taken and arranged to swap club badges; cheers Ian for making Jose's day! With our happy amigos we headed home via the chippy where we all enjoyed chips out of the bag.Sunday 24th August - shoot day 3
We awoke to good weather with a forecast for wind later. Whilst for many it would be just another shoot for those at the top it would be a tense affair. Our campsite friends Dave and Paula were both in contention and we offered our best wishes. Day 3 is different, whilst you know the colour of your course your shooting partner will be the competitor with the closest score to your own. The day remained rain free but it was windier than the previous two days yet still the scores were high. Dave Schofield and Dorian Falconer were paired together and they had a close contest with Dorian finally coming out on top and taking 2nd overall with Dave 4th. Andrew Gillot continued his good form from yesterday and finished 3rd. Top shooter, winning his 3rd World Championship, was Ian Taylor who returned a 44 for a total of 135 and a winning margin of two targets.
Top 10
1. Ian Taylor 46 + 45 + 44 = 135
2. Dorian Falconer 42 + 47 + 44 = 133 (Wales)
3. Andrew Gillot 42 + 47 + 43 = 132
4. Dave Schofield 44 + 46 + 41 = 131
5. Trevor Ryan 41 + 44 + 46 = 131
6. Craig McDonald 45 + 43 + 41 =129 (Junior World Champion)
7. James Woodhead 45 + 40 + 44 = 129
8. Andy Calpin 41 + 44 + 44 = 129
9. Terry Almond 39 + 42 + 46 = 127 (Veteran World Champion)
10. Neil Daniels 41 + 42 + 46 = 127
Paul Schofield 40 + 39 + 43 = 122 (Ladies World Champion)
Paul James 40 + 36 + 35 = 111 (Spring World Champion)
Teams
1. England
2. South Africa
3. Russia
What of the Bananas?
Greg oozed confidence but the wind bit hard and took its toll as he returned 26 (59%).
Eddie's improvement continued as he began to master the spring gun scoring 14.
Shaun partnered BFTA spring and silhouette champion Matt Hirst. He got off to a flyer but the gremlins came in the garden. However, a good performance in the open field lead him to a score of 35 (80%).
Greg 31 + 35 + 26 = 92 (68%)
Eddie 7 + 10 + 14 = 31 (23%)
Shaun 33 + 35 + 35 = 103 (76%)
This time it was a meal in the Stables restaurant and no snooze as the presentation was at 6.30pm at the Market Place Theatre in Armagh. Manuel and Jose kindly offered us a lift to the event and there was just time for a parting photo before the fun began
One of the best parts of touring is not knowing what you'll experience and who you'll meet. A highlight for the Bananas was the friendship they established with Manuel and Jose. This photo emphasises that bond!
The after shoot party was a scream. Some serious shooters could finally let their hair down and the atmosphere was superb. Teams and individuals were happy to take photos, offer safe journeys home and hope to meet again.
Shaun and Karl.
Team South Africa
Team Germany
The prizes were fantastic and on show for all to jealously admire. These are for the Spring. Ladies, Junior and Veteran.
And the main event, the silver one not the pink!
Congratulation to Ian Taylor seen here with Pete O'Hagen, the event organiser, and the Mayor of Armagh.
Congratulation to the Midlands' own Andy Gillot 3rd overall!
And well done to Paula Schofield - Ladies World Champion!
A big Banana well done to Paul Cray for a gallant defence that saw him finish on 125 and 15th overall. Paul was very approachable and a welcome addition to the Bananas should he ever move to the Midlands!
A big Banana well done to Paul Cray for a gallant defence that saw him finish on 125 and 15th overall. Paul was very approachable and a welcome addition to the Bananas should he ever move to the Midlands!
A great night finished not surprisingly in a Chinese restaurant where we met a party celebrating Craig McDonald's success. Well done Craig!
Monday 25th AugustWith no shoot pending we managed to lie in until 7am. When the tent front was opened the view was of an empty field, only yellow rectangles on the green pitch offered evidence of the fun that had occurred. We set off for Belfast and the ferry to Stranraer. The crossing took just two hours, unfortunately passengers were not allowed on deck so views of the sea were limited from this caged balcony.
However, we got some excellent views of gannets. That's the picture below not above!
And we saw the spectacular Ailsa Craig
And we saw the spectacular Ailsa Craig The M6 under rain and with plenty of traffic followed. Our journey ended at 9.30pm with 800 miles on the clock, three tired bodies thoroughly satisfied!
What a fantastic adventure. We have enjoyed our shooting and socialising, made lots of friends and learned so much about FT shooting. Many thanks to the NIFTA team and particularly to Pete O'Hagen for his organisation on the shoot days and Greg Ferson for organising free camping. The GP season has been great and these few days have been a fitting climax. South Africa is a long way but we hope that future World Championships will see a Banana entry. Well done to all who competed, helped and to those who were just so friendly. We went to Northern Ireland with pre-conceived ideas influenced by media coverage of the troubles but left in awe of a beautiful country with such friendly people.
