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 of archery, or the catalyzing agent of new thoughts change in the sport both within Ireland and elsewhere? This question has struck home in my mind, raising not only philosophical and practical implications of our work, but also a broader trajectory of archery in an ever-changing world. At its core, archery represents an ancient form of art: a practice that reaches into the very extremities of millennia and represents everything from warfare and survival to ritualistic ceremonies and competitive sports.

Thinking about the future of archery means heaving an almost philosophical discussion with its past and present, trying to make sense of what place it shall hold in such a digital and hypermodern world. Shall archery be a niche pursuit, adopted only by a few initiates who aim at tradition, or will this be a global phenomenon reshaped by incoming generations and advances in technology? As a publication, TIFAM stands at a crossroads, with two futures open to it. We are the sport’s archivists, recording not just the results of tournaments but also the stories of archers that best capture the spirit of overcoming precision and hard work. In such a vein, TIFAM takes on the mantle even of a historical text, serving almost as a kind of “social chronicle” about the world of archery. But is that enough?

If TIFAM is to remain a mere repository of information, a publication that only documents and does not inspire, it will be static and irrelevant in this age of information consumption, discarding, and forgetting. In fact, the very act of publishing a magazine at this time of digital platform dominance itself is an act of rebellion against being rendered obsolete. Yet, mere defiance is not enough to guarantee survival or an impact. The magazine must lead, not merely document.

This leads us now to the pragmatic part of our study: How should TIFAM affect the future of archery?

Are we restricted to the pages we print, or are we obligated to embark upon much greater social, cultural, and educational endeavors? I would argue that TIFAM must transcend mere printed limitations. It has to become a place teeming with archery culture and people connected through the sport itself and with each other. The “Bow and Beyond” project, which we are gradually developing, is just a great example of this progressive vision: it attempts to bridge the gap between traditional archery and the contemporary world in order to create new perspectives for participation and development. It is through such initiatives that we are in a position to build a proud community in which archery is part of our lives rather than just another sport.

The future of archery, both in Ireland and worldwide relies upon much more than just preserving its past. It requires an active relationship with new generations, innovative ways of teaching and enjoying the sport, and a constant search for possibilities to interlace archery in the social web. TIFAM, as a magazine, is very well-placed to be that agent of change, provided we are willing to rethink our function.

Magazines like TIFAM can be more than a repository of facts and history. We can be teachers, ambassadors, and visionaries, creating an environment where archery is not only perpetuated but also embraced as an integral part of modern times. In that sense, mere documentation will
not suffice. We need to seek out new projects, forge new relationships, and ensure that new pathways for involvement are always placed before our readers.

Therefore the real value of TIFAM is what can it do (what we are capable of) and how will it serve the future. For only through an unconventional approach, or perhaps through a dramatic revolution in perception as well as in adopted practice, can we ensure that archery as a communion of sport and recreation will remain pertinent, rather than turning into a relic of the past, remembered only out of decency.

I strongly believe that we should follow the paths of innovative spirits – who are many among our readers – therefore we are obliged to transform into something more, something better – a unifying link between the communities and individuals jointly creating the future of the archery here and beyond.