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Newtown marksman fires historic
shots
27.06.11
by Caoimhinn Barr, Inishowen Independent
A NEWTOWN marksman has become the first Irish man to
win all four home majors in clay pigeon shooting
after two stunning cross-channel displays recently.
Jim Doherty (37) took top honours at the Krieghoff
Classic in Wales before storming to victory at the
English Open in Dorset with two scintillating
performances on the biggest stage.
The son of Seamus and Nora Doherty, Jim, the current
captain of the Irish DTL shooting team, knew the
omens were good when this year’s Welsh final was
held at a place called Newtown.
“I have a good record at that venue so I knew I had
a good chance to win,” he said.
After defeating more than 450 triggermen at the
Welsh event, Jim repeated the feat at the English
Open, out-shooting more than 300 on his way to an
historic victory.
“I was able to take my good form from Wales into the
English Open. On the day anyone could beat anyone
else but luckily everything fell into place for me,”
Jim added. |
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Newtown marksman, Jim Doherty. |
A delighted Jim said
the two victories marked the best week in his
shooting career so far
“I am absolutely delighted to have won. It is an
honour for me to become the first Irish man to win
all four,” he said.
Victory at Dorset has given Jim somewhat of a
dilemma though because his prize for winning is a
choice between around €5,000 in cash or a five-year
deal to use a Krieghoff weapon, worth €13,000.
“I still haven’t made my mind up about which option
to go for. I’ve never shot a Krieghoff before so I’m
not sure if it would suit me,” Jim said.
An IT consultant with Donegal County Council, Jim
first garnered an interest in the niche sport when
he attended a clay pigeon shoot at Quigley’s Point
as a youngster with his father Seamus.
He is now looking forward to the European
Championships in Waterford before taking his
over/under Beretta shotgun to the British Open in
County Derry next month. |
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