report from the European Para-Archery Championships and Rio Qualification Archery Competition, in Saint Jean de Monts, France.

Our three archers, Kerrie-Louise Leonard (Fusion Archers, Meath) John Cairns (Ulster Archers, Armagh) and Barry Guider (Blackheath Archers, Dublin), alongside team manager, Pádraig Dunphy (Fusion Archers), have been getting to grips with the conditions out in France since Saturday 2nd of April, and are hopeful to gain a ticket to the Paralympics games, Rio 2016.

Each of the archers have successfully competed in their first round, and have qualified for the head-to-head competitions in their respective categories.The archers each have the chance at claiming a European title and later in the week, will each have a chance to gain one ticket for the Paralympic Games along with Leonard and Cairns, having an opportunity to compete in the mixed team category too.

As the days progress, the archers seem to be settling into the competition, and although the forecast was for rain, they have been blessed with dry spells, which seems to be keeping their arrows on the right path. As the competition progresses, the wave of support grows, and we have every faith that these archers will do us proud on their Road to Rio.

Is mise, le meas,

Lorna Deegan

Fusion Archers