Editor-in-chief
As the first hints of autumn begin to color the Irish landscape, a unique and thrilling event draws archers and enthusiasts from across the country to the scenic surroundings near Thurles, along the R498 road. The 2nd TIFAM All Ireland Archery Festival, scheduled for September 7-8, 2024, promises an unforgettable weekend brimming with archery challenges, cultural exchange, and communal spirit. Organized by The Irish Field Archery Monthly in collaboration with Black Castle Archers Thurles, this festival is a vibrant celebration of the ancient craft of archery, combined with modern-day excitement and camaraderie.
Saturday Spectacle: A Day Open to All
The festival kicks off on Saturday, September 7th, with a day designed to engage both seasoned archers and newcomers alike. The location itself, nestled at the coordinates52°42’20.5 “N 7°52’38.2 “W, offers a picturesque woodland backdrop for a day full of activities that span the spectrum of archery and beyond.
Most importantly, Saturday is fully open to the public, making it a perfect opportunity for anyone curious about archery to dive into the sport. Whether you’ve never held a bow before or are simply looking to try something new, the festival provides the ideal setting to get your hands on a bow and experience the thrill of archery first-hand. Friendly instructors will be on hand to guide you through the basics, ensuring that your first shot is both fun and safe.
Workshops and Courses: Dive Deep into the Art of Archery
One of the standout features of Saturday’s events is the extensive array of Workshops and Courses available to participants. Whether you’re a novice eager to learn the fundamentals or an experienced archer looking to refine your skills, these workshops offer something for everyone.
-String Making Workshop: Discover the ancient craft of string making, a skill that is both practical and steeped in tradition. Learn how to create durable and reliable bowstrings from expert string makers who will guide you through each step of the process.
-Basic Compound Bow knowledge: For those interested in modern archery, this workshop provides welcoming training to introduce you to this advanced type of bow. Learn from seasoned experts about the intricacies of compound bow mechanics, shooting form, and precision aiming.
-Introduction to bow making: Delve into the world of traditional archery with a workshop focused on crafting and maintaining traditional bows. This course offers a hands-on experience where participants can learn about the materials, tools, and techniques used by archers of old.
These workshops are designed not only to enhance your archery skills but also to deepen your appreciation for the art and history of archery. They offer a unique opportunity to learn directly from experts and to connect with fellow enthusiasts who share your passion.
Live Podcasts: Archery Conversations in Real-Time
Adding a modern twist to the festival, Live Podcasts will be broadcasted throughout the day, offering a dynamic mix of interviews, event coverage, and expert discussions. Whether you’re at the festival or listening from afar, these podcasts bring the event to life with engaging content that appeals to both hardcore archers and curious listeners.
-Interviews with Seasoned Archers: Listen in as experienced archers share their insights, stories, and tips for success in the sport. These interviews provide a rare glimpse into the minds of those who have dedicated their lives to mastering the bow and arrow.
-Equipment Expert talks: Interested in the latest gear and innovations in archery? Tune into panels featuring equipment experts who will discuss everything from bow technology to the best arrows for different types of shooting. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kit or simply learn more about what’s available.
-Event Highlights: The live podcasts will also cover the highlights of the festival, providing commentary on the competitions, workshops, and other activities as they happen. It’s the perfect way to stay informed and engaged with all the festival has to offer.
Buy & Sell Area: A Marketplace for Archers
For those looking to enhance their archery gear or discover unique items, the Buy & Sell Area is a treasure trove. Here, you can browse through a diverse array of previously loved archery equipment, offering a chance to upgrade your arsenal or find rare pieces that speak to your archery journey. It’s also a perfect venue for sellers to pass on their gear to new hands, ensuring that every bow, arrow, and accessory continues to serve its purpose.
Free Stall Spaces and Vendor Opportunities
Recognizing the importance of community and commerce in the world of archery, the festival offers Free Stall Spaces to archery-related businesses, artisans, and vendors of local crafts. This is an invaluable opportunity to showcase your products, share your passion, and engage directly with a diverse audience of archery enthusiasts and art lovers. Whether you are an established shop or an independent artisan, these stalls provide a platform to connect with a community that shares your interests.
Archery Associations and Clubs Stands
In an effort to foster greater collaboration and community within the sport, the festival extends a warm invitation to Archery Associations and Clubs to set up dedicated stands. This is a chance for associations to present themselves, share their knowledge, and recruit new members. For clubs, it’s an opportunity to showcase your unique offerings and connect with archers who might be looking for a place to hone their skills and join a community.
Catering and Coffee Kiosk
No festival is complete without good food and a place to relax. The Catering and Coffee Kiosk ensures that participants and visitors can enjoy a variety of delicious meals, snacks, and beverages throughout the day. Whether you need to refuel between activities or just want to take a moment to savor the festival atmosphere, the food offerings will keep you energized and satisfied.
Novelty Tournaments and Competitions
One of the highlights of the day is the Laszlo Long Distance Shoot Challenge, a thrilling competition that tests archers’ abilities to shoot over long distances with precision and power. While this year’s challenge is curated by Ken, Laszlo will return to reprise his role in future instalments, ensuring that this tradition continues to challenge and inspire. This and other novelty tournaments are designed to push the boundaries of what archers can achieve, offering both spectators and participants a spectacle of skill and determination.
Launch of TIFAM Youth Merit Cup
The Festival is also proud to announce the launch of the TIFAM Youth Merit Cup. This annual award, sponsored by TIFAM, is designed to encourage young people to get involved in archery and will not focus solely on performance in competition, there are many awards available. It is intended to give young archers the opportunity to get involved in volunteering at club level in promoting the sport and assisting with club activities. It is intended to be a perpetual trophy awarded each year at the TIFAM archery festival to a young person who has actively promoted the sport of archery and been an active member of their club.
Sunday Showdown: Competitive Archery and Prestigious Awards
While Saturday welcomes everyone with a diverse array of activities,Sunday, 8th September, shifts the focus to the competitive heart of the festival. Reserved exclusively for registered archers and members of recognized archery organizations, the Black Castle IFAF Calendar Shoot represents the pinnacle of the weekend’s challenges. This event is not just a competition; it’s an opportunity for seasoned archers to demonstrate their skills, precision, and endurance in a high-stakes environment that honors the deep-rooted traditions of the sport. Here, participants can truly prove their mettle and vie for glory, all while reinforcing the strong sense of community and excellence that defines the world of archery.
Adding to the prestige of Sunday’s events, we are proud to announce the inaugural presentation of the Editor-in-Chief’s Award: ‘Top Contributing Writer of the Year – TIFAM Magazine Annual Honour.’ This special award will be presented each year at the festival by the Editor-in-Chief of The Irish Field Archery Monthly (TIFAM) to an individual who has exemplified outstanding journalistic spirit and contributed pro-bono service to the magazine. This award celebrates not only exceptional writing but also a commitment to the archery community, highlighting the role that passionate journalism plays in supporting and promoting the sport.
The recipient of this honor is chosen solely by the Editor-in-Chief, based on their contributions and impact over the past year. This year’s award, being the first of its kind, carries with it a special significance, setting a precedent for the recognition of those who dedicate their talents to enriching the archery community through the written word. The award ceremony will be a moment of pride and celebration, acknowledging the vital connection between archery and the storytelling that keeps its spirit alive.
Sunday Lottery
Adding to the excitement of Sunday’s events is the Sunday Lottery, offering participants the chance to win fantastic prizes. Sponsored by Avalon Archery and Bohning, the lottery is an exciting addition that adds an extra layer of fun and anticipation to the day. As the festival draws more attention, it is expected that additional sponsors will join, making the lottery even more thrilling.
Why Attend?
The 2nd TIFAM All Ireland Archery Festival is not just about competition; it’s about community, learning, and celebrating the sport of archery in all its forms.
Camping and Networking
For those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the experience, camping is available from Friday evening onwards. This provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow archery enthusiasts, share stories around the campfire, and make lasting memories in the company of those who share your passion.
Fun for All Ages
Whether you’re a seasoned archer, a budding enthusiast, or simply someone curious about the sport, the festival has something to offer everyone. Saturday’s open day is especially welcoming to families and individuals looking to explore archery—whether it’s your first time or you’re returning to a forgotten love, this day is designed to be inclusive and accessible.
Don’t Miss Out!
The 2nd TAIAF is more than an event; it’s a gathering of the archery community, a celebration of tradition, and an opportunity to connect with others who share your love for the sport. Saturday’s open day offers a rare chance for the general public to try their hand at archery and participate in workshops and live podcasts that enrich the experience, making it an ideal outing for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the world of archery.
Mark your calendars for September 7-8, 2024, gather your bows, and prepare for a weekend that promises to be filled with excitement, learning, and unforgettable experiences. Join us for this extraordinary event where the past, present, and future of archery come together in a vibrant celebration. Whether you’re competing, learning, or simply enjoying the spectacle, this festival is an experience not to be missed. We look forward to seeing you there, ready to unleash your inner archer!
HERE YOU CAN REGISTER FOR SATURDAY’S TOURNAMENT:
https://tifam.ie/taiaf-2024-tournament-ticket/
Matt Latimer
