For many, the term archery conjures up
romantic images of men clad in tights merrily prancing around
Sherwood Forest redressing social and financial imbalances. The
use of bows, however, can be traced back to 10,000 BC, and until
the dawn of the firearm, the bow and arrow were responsible for
shaping almost every war on every continent throughout human
history.
Their strategic value on the battlefield made skilled archers a
highly valued part of any army. Although their main
uses as weapons of war, and hunting for the table have been
almost entirely replaced by modern firearms, archery is still
very much part a live pastime and has developed into a precision
sport, with some of the most technologically advanced equipment
seen in the field.
Modern archery can be split down into two distinct types in
Ireland being target and field archery.
Each discipline has its own specialist equipment and
techniques, employing space age materials and technology. The
interest in archery at the National Countrysports Fair is
phenomenal with literally thousands of visitors, young and old,
participating in the field archery competitions over the two
days of the show.
Local archers from the Lisburn City Archery Club will stage a
variety of events including have-a-go field and target archery
competitions. Anyone can try their hand at archery and enter the
competition for prizes for a modest fee.
Extremely popular with young and old alike, the have-a-go
archery events will be running on both days of the 2013 National
Countrysports Fair. There will
be bows to suit everyone and members of local archery clubs
there to assist you shoot at the targets.
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