Archery Club attempt to break record for Guinness BoR

Members of the GMIT Castlebar Archery Club are to attempt to get into the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest continuous archery shoot, at a special event in the Castlebar campus on Thursday 18 April.

As with all Guinness Book of Records attempts, the event has strict guidelines which the club must adhere to if they are to beat the current record of 27 hours. The entire event will take place in St Mary’s Hall on the Castlebar campus from 9am on Thursday.

The four archers, students Adria Quinn from Dundalk and formerly the US, Paddy Woods from Letterkenny, Co Donegal, Michael Quinn from Newport, Co Mayo, and Thomas Breen from Cooraclare, Co Clare, have promised that even though they will be under strict scrutiny in their endeavour, the entire proceedings will have a carnival atmosphere.

Each shooter will have a team of helpers with medical crew on standby, strictly monitored and scheduled rest and food breaks, video recording and back up recording as well as a team of expert witnesses.

“It’s a huge undertaking and a sign of the ambition of the club members and in keeping with their impressive achievement in placing third in the country in the traditional ‘bare bow’ section after the culmination of the recent intervarsities series of events, says Nigel Jennings, Sports Officer, GMIT Castlebar.

“Regardless of the outcome they deserve great credit for their efforts,” adds Mr Jennings.

Members of the public are invited to join students and staff at the event which will run all day and night. On Friday morning the GMIT archers will be in the final push for the record.

The GMIT Archery Club will display equipment at the event and club members will be happy to offer advice to anyone interested in joining the club. There will also be music and other activities including juggling and entertainment throughout the event. All proceeds raised in association with the record attempt will go to Barretstown Camp for children suffering from serious illness.