UCD Rifle Club hosted the UCD July Air Open 2011 in the UCD Rifle Club Range on Sunday 17th of July. It was a highly contested competition with tie breaking and single point margins being the order of the day.

The overall winner of the 60 shot air rifle competition was Paul O’ Boyle of Wilkinstown Target Shooting Club. The 40 shot competition was won by Aisling Miller of Dublin University Rifle Club.

UCD’s John Lancaster took home gold in the pistol event, by the slimmest of margins, beating John Kinsella of Castlebridge Invitational Pistol Club by only one point.  John also took home 3^rd place in Class A in the 60 shot air rifle competition.

Maria Tracey added another gold to UCD’s medal tally, taking 1^st in Class C, as well as 3^rd overall in the 40 shot competition. Nicolas Nalpas, also of UCD Rifle Club claimed 2nd in Class C.

Other victories for UCD included Joe Thompson, winning 3^rd in Class B  by, and Claire Leyden taking 2nd in the 40 shot competition.

Subsequent to the July Air Open, both Nicolas and Maria have moved up to class B, a testament to their impressive scores over the last number of competitions.

All in all, it was a good day for UCD Rifle Club, with all shooters putting in high scores and many achieving personal bests. The standard of shooting was exceptional, and all those who competed may be confident in their abilities as they continue training for the UCD August Open, taking place on Sunday August 14^th.