There are books that do not simply live upon shelves but rather take root in the hollows of your chest, pulsing in quiet defiance of forgetfulness. Matt Latimer’s The Phoenix Archer is such a book, not content to merely be read but insisting upon being absorbed, like breath, like blood. To enter its pages is not a choice; it is an inevitability, a surrender to a world that demands not only attention but allegiance.
Why did the archer bring a ladder to practice? Because they wanted to raise their game! Now, if only all of us had such practical solutions to the peculiar challenges of this noble sport. Archery’s grand, to be sure, but if you’re imagining serene moments of poetic precision, free of mishap or interference, you’ve likely never shot a single arrow on this rain-soaked isle. No, the truth of it is that archery in Ireland has a way of humbling even the steadiest hand, often with the help of a few choice characters.
C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia is a work so steeped in allegory that every element feels laden with meaning. Among these, the bow—gifted to Susan Pevensie—stands out as a symbol not only of strength and discipline but of choice, a curious mix of autonomy and submission to a higher purpose. I often reflect on this choice as I hold manuscripts in my hands, wondering if the writer truly understands the weapon they wield. A bow, after all, is not a casual gift. It demands skill, precision, and faith, not unlike the very act of writing itself. Lewis was a writer who understood the importance of symbols. His life, punctuated by tragedy and a long wrestling match with faith, shaped his fiction in profound ways. Raised in a bookish home, he lost his mother at a young age and endured the horrors of the First World War—a crucible that left him both skeptical of shallow optimism and hungry for meaning.
From Bow to Book It’s not every day you watch a friend’s dream take flight. But today, with the release of The Phoenix Archer, that’s exactly what I’m doing. Matt Latimer isn’t just an author to me—he’s a friend, a…
The ancient whisper from the heart of Ireland, the yew bow, sings a tune etched amongst the soft susurrations of leaves in the forgotten wood. A weapon, not truly; an amulet, a bridge into the Othercrowd, where the Sídhe people…...
(A monthly column) As someone who has invested a considerable portion of his life in studying literature and the elaborately oiled machinations at work in the construction of narratives, I am constitutionally fascinated by the representation of archery in canonical…...
(A monthly column) Good day, dear readers, in this issue I’m unabashedly bringing up the topic of sorts – which came first an egg or a chicken, or why the circle is round but not square. Hereby I would like…...
(A monthly column) The arrow, both ancient and resiliant, has for centuries represented more than ordinary blend of wood and steel. She is an instrument of swift death, and her silent flight often brings forth something beyond a simple ending,…...
EDITOR’s NOTE [November 2024] As the editor-in-chief of The Irish Field Archery Monthly (TIFAM), I am always torn between two alternatives that define the role of this magazine: are we the chroniclers of the events and achievements of the sport…
The Robin Hood legends have cemented his place as a peerless marksman, but let's be real: nobody in any kind of serious competition these days tries the "split the arrow" stunt. Real archers know the stupidity of making them waste a perfectly good arrow. But it's a story that charms-to show, once again, that when it comes to archery, as with much in life, the question of branding is paramount.
Horseback Havoc: Sarmatian Archery They are a people who vanish like shadows, whose arrows strike before their forms are seen; the Sarmatians, riders of the endless winds.— Tacitus, Annals The Sarmatians, like whispers carried across the boundless steppes, traversed the…...
Tolkien’s Bows of Fate ~ unstrung ~ Also available as an episode of the Winning Paths podcast on our channel www.youtube.com/@Winning_Paths The bows of the Galadhrim hum with the taut pull of destiny, their strings drawn tight, not as mere…...
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Killygarry Archers, based at Pullamore Farm in Cavan, Ireland, is led by Sean Crow, a dedicated IFAF committee member, accomplished archer, and long-standing Irish representative at major international competitions. Sean’s leadership and charismatic community spirit have made the club a hub for archery enthusiasts. Known for organizing challenging yet thoroughly enjoyable traditional and field archery competitions, the club draws archers from all skill levels. With years of experience behind them,
Log Riach Traditional Archery Club:
Located in the heart of nature, Log Riach Traditional Archery Club is a haven for archers who appreciate the traditional aspect of the sport. The club specializes in longbow and recurve archery, offering events that challenge archers in the most natural and scenic environments. If you’re passionate about field archery, you’ll find no better place to hone your skills and connect with like-minded enthusiasts.
Ready to join the adventure? Visit Log Riach Traditional Archery Club’s official site here to learn more about upcoming events, membership, and how you can become part of this incredible archery community.
Marble Archers Dinosaur Hunt Join the Adventure with Marble Archers! Sunday, October 20th Loughan House Forest Get ready to embark on a thrilling Dinosaur Hunt and UAR 14×2! Follow the trail through the forest, discover multiple dinosaurs, and catalog your…
3D World Championships Slovenia The 2024 World Archery 3D Championships are currently taking place at the scenic Mokrice Castle in Slovenia, running from September 30 to October 6. Over 300 archers from 31 countries are participating, competing in the 3D…
“Old stories endure, even as the world changes’”. This is the tale of the Phantom Archer of Dunluce. As they say, the legend is deeply rooted in the castle's history and has been passed down from generation to generation. The ruins of Dunluce Castle stand among the windswept cliffs of Antrim and are a reminder of human ambition in the face of the power of nature.
& Sunday Black Castle UAR shoot (A weekend of fun in Thurles) Andrews account… A fun weekend in the woods outside Thurles in the home of Black Castle Archers. The majority of the festival photos included in this issue were…
Saturday Spectacle: A Day Open to All Workshops and Courses: Dive Deep into the Art of Archery Live Podcasts: Archery Conversations in Real-Time Buy & Sell Area: A Marketplace for Archers Free Stall Spaces and Vendor Opportunities Archery Associations and…...
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By Marcin Malek The first day of the Dunbrody 100 3D began under the whispering canopy of dawn, with a morning briefing attended by 132 eager participants. As the golden rays of the sun filtered through the ancient trees, casting…...
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