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Nelson McCausland Hosts Olympic Skeet Shooting Team
Sports Minister Nelson McCausland tonight welcomed the Northern Ireland Olympic Skeet Shooting Team at Stormont.
The Minister hosted a reception for the team after its success in last year’s Home International Tournament, where it beat England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
Mr McCausland said: “I welcome this opportunity to congratulate the Northern Ireland Olympic Skeet Shooting Team on winning the 2009 Home International Tournament.
“This event has been dominated by England for the past quarter of a century but the Northern Ireland Olympic Skeet Shooting Team won it with acclaim last year, breaking England's 25 year monopoly on the trophy."
The competition was held in Portrush, Co Antrim, last August, the first time it has taken place in Northern Ireland.
The Minister said: “This event joins the growing list of the international sporting occasions that Northern Ireland has showcased.
"I would like to pay tribute to the team for their skill, hard work and the dedication they have given to their sport. I also wish them continued success, especially when they defend their title in the 2010 Home International Tournament."
Notes to editors:
1. Olympic skeet shooting is the fastest form of clay pigeon shooting. It is, as the name suggests, the only form of the sport with Olympic Games status.
2. Umbrella organisation the Ulster Clay Pigeon Association has more than 1,000 members across 50 shooting clubs.
3. Richard Jermy won the overall High Gun and Northern Ireland High Gun categories.
4. For media enquiries please contact DCAL Press Office 028 9051 5048. Out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
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