SHOOTING STARS AT BALLYKINLER

The annual Cadet Rifle Meeting at Ballykinler brought together some of the top teenage shooting talents in Northern Ireland to battle for sporting honours.

Teams from the Army Cadet Force (ACF) and the Combined Cadet Forces (CCF) across Northern Ireland took part in this exciting competition and there was some excellent shooting throughout the day.

The overall winners of the competition were:

Champion at Arms (Overall individual champion):

Cadet Sgt Ben Hazelton, Dungannon Detachment, A Company, 1st (NI) Bn ACF

Champion Unit (Overall best team):

G Company (Holywood, Ards, Comber and Bangor Detachments), 2nd (NI) Bn ACF

Congratulating the cadets who took part, Colonel Johnny Rollins, Chief Executive of the Reserve Forces & Cadets Association for Northern Ireland, said, “Traditionally rifle shooting is one of the most popular of all our Cadet activities, and the fact that so many take part in this demanding sport means that standards are high and competition is always intense. That was well illustrated at the Cadet Rifle Meeting, where many of the cadets turned in some fantastic performances.

“Sporting challenges such as this are a great way to help young people not only to build skills, but also to enhance their personal confidence and forge new friendships.  They also act as a ‘digital de-tox’, giving teenagers a healthful and fulfilling break from computers and games consoles – something which most parents will welcome!”

Pictured above, receiving their trophy from Colonel Paul Shepherd are the winning team members from G Company, 2nd (NI) Battalion ACF: Cadet Colour Sgt Ryan McAslan; Cadet Sgt Rebecca Harrison; Cadet Sgt Cameron Moore and Cadet Sgt Craig Kennedy.

Below left: Individual winner of match 2, Cadet Tyler Clarke from Lisburn Detachment, 2nd (NI) Bn ACF.
Below right: Team winners of match 2, from Whitehouse Detachment, 1st (NI) Bn ACF: Cadet Colour Sgt Emily Moore, Cadet Cpl Tom McQuillan, Cadet Cpl Harry Moore and Cadet Cpl Kaci Smyth.