Introduction – who we are…
We are a dedicated community built on shared passion, friendly competition, and a genuine love for the art of archery – Archers of Ennis isn’t just a place to hone our skills. It’s become the cornerstone of the sport in County Clare, where beginners, seasoned competitors, and everyone in between come together to make the club what it is today.
Club Origins & history…
The origins of Archers of Ennis trace back to a crisp New Year’s Day in 2012, when Ryan Hannan and Malgorzata ‘MJ’ Jaguszewska shared an inspiring archery session at Dromoland Castle. No one could have guessed that this was the beginning of something bigger. Just days later, MJ and Ryan imported a unique piece of archery history from Poland
– a left-handed 1974 Browning Wasp, a 45lb hunting bow that became the catalyst for what would come next, fuelled by a desire to share their passion, Ryan crafted the club’s very first target using some old household carpets, converting their backyard into a humble shooting range.
With the support of Mike Kelleher – and the addition of the club’s now-legendary Geologic beginner’s bow – the dream began to take shape. By October 2012, Archers of Ennis officially began their journey. From humble beginnings in the backyard, through the Scouts Hall in Clarecastle, and eventually into the Showgrounds Horse Riding Hall in Ennis, the club continues to carry forward MJ’s, Ryan’s, and Mike’s original vision: an archery club built on friendship, shared enthusiasm, and love for the sport.
Though Archers of Ennis were founded with a natural lean towards traditional archery, our members are encouraged to choose their own path. From traditional barebow to Olympic recurve to compound, the club is home to a mix of styles, allowing our member to explore variety as they progress through their personal archery journey.
Did you know?
The day Argos closed in Ireland was an end of an era for Archers of Ennis who patented the archery method of catalogue shopping all the way back in 2013!
Location & Facilities…
Archers of Ennis currently call the Showgrounds Horse Riding Hall in Ennis our home. The club meets twice a week, on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, for our regular practice sessions. The hall provides an excellent indoor range for target archery, with shooting distances ranging from 10 to 30 metres – ideal for archers of all levels. When the weathers
on our side (and we’re feeling optimistic), we make the most of the hall’s outdoor grounds, which offer shooting distances of up to 80 metres. Though truth be told, we rarely venture that far…unless someone’s feeling particularly brave – or has a surplus of arrows!
At present, the club doesn’t have a dedicated 3D course – but we’ve always believed that from little acorns, great trees grow. With a dash of enthusiasm and a sprinkle of mischief, who’s to say what lies ahead for archers in the west of Ireland? Let’s just say…watch this space…wink wink.
Membership Breakdown…
The club currently welcomes between 30 and 40 active members. Some of us – the competitive and adventurous types – you might have spotted at various IFAF competitions and fun shoots across the west and midlands over the years. Others, while just as
competitive in spirit, prefer the comfort of indoor shoots (especially when the Irish rain decides to make an appearance!). All kinds of archers can be found at our club – from complete beginners and casual hobbyists to competitive archers, certified coaches, and even the occasional equipment guru– including our very own John, for whom no bow or arrow is too much of a challenge. The club runs two to three beginner courses each year, offering a chance to try out the sport in a friendly and supportive environment.
At present, club membership is open to individuals aged 17 and over. However, due to the growing interest and regular enquiries about youth participation, we’re actively working towards opening the club to family memberships in the near future.
Quotes from Members…
“Archery gives me the space to get away from the pressures of work, to relax and chat with people…to spend time with my kids who do archery as well. Making arrows and helping the club members out with their technical/ equipment problems helps me focus and relax.” –
John Radford (Equipment Manager of AoE).
“Archers of Ennis is known for its inclusivity…it’s a safe place to learn at your own pace just for fun or if your aim is to compete in competitions. More seasoned archers are always ready to give a helping hand with equipment or advice on style and technique.” – Jenette (Member of AoE)
Did you know?…
Did you know our club mascot is a little knitted bee? No? It must’ve buzzed right past you!
Competitions & Fun Shoots…
Over the years, Archers of Ennis have consistently participated in competitions and fun shoots across the country, ranging from 3D shoots to indoor target events. 2025 marks a significant milestone for the club – 10 years since out first competition! We are getting old!
The 2023 and 2024 seasons were especially successful for both our indoor and 3D target archers. Charlie, Jude, and Joe made us proud at the Irish Open Indoor Championships, each taking home gold in the women’s barebow, men’s barebow, and compound categories.
Our 3D shooters also continue to excel, consistently placing in the top three at various competitions nationwide.
Fun shoots and competitions, especially during the summer months, have become a key element of the club’s spirit. These events not only bring our members together but also allow us to connect with other passionate archers and clubs across the country. Some of these events have turned into cherished annual traditions, creating unforgettable memories and
strengthening the heart and soul of the club.
Quote from Member…
“Since joining Archers of Ennis, it was always my dream to compete. The first Irish Open
Indoor Championships I went to I was eliminated in shoot-offs with the champion of my category. My second Championships didn’t end any better, with an injury forcing me to
resign mid-way. Finally, in 2024 I won my first national title…by a single point! It was a
fantastic day.” – Joe O’Connell (Chairman of AoE)
Goal & Vision…
Over the years, though small, Archers of Ennis have worked hard to grow, learn, and share the art of archery with everyone. What started as an idea among three friends has blossomed into a club that is now known and recognised across the country. So, what’s next for Archers of Ennis? While we won’t give everything away just yet, we’ve been busy working on an exciting new project that will not only support the club’s growth and expansion but also help promote the sport of archery throughout County Clare. Our goal is to create a fantastic new venue for fun, challenging events that will welcome individuals of all ages and levels of experience. Our dedicated members have been putting in a lot of effort over the past few months to bring
this vision to life. You may have noticed some of the changes – a fresh rebrand, new club gear, and even our revamped social media team (shoutout to Sylwia and Charlie!) – but this is just the beginning. We’re looking forward to bringing you much more in the months ahead!
Quote from Member…
“I couldn’t be prouder of our members. I love seeing new people join and seeing them going from uncoordinated archers to competent archers in a very short time. I love who we are and I’m looking forward to what we will become. Archers of Ennis…it’s about like-minded people shooting arrows, having a laugh, and supporting each other to become better with every arrow shot.” – Mike Kelleher (Founder & Deputy Chairman of AoE)
Clubs closing Statement…
Although still relatively small, Archers of Ennis has grown significantly since 2012. However, at the heart of the club will always be the ethos of spending time with like-minded people, shooting arrows, and sharing plenty of laughs while supporting each other to improve with every shot. Should you ever find yourself in the beautiful county of Clare, don’t hesitate to pay us a visit and experience what Archers of Ennis is all about.
Sylwia Kielak
