By Jonathan Brown
GLASDRUMMAN’S Eoín O’Flaherty was crowned the 2026 Junior Irish Open English Sporting Champion after holding his nerve in a dramatic shoot-off at Dunmanway Clay Target Club, Co Cork, on Sunday 26 July.
The 18-year-old finished the main competition tied for first place after he, Shane O’Sullivan and Jimmy O’Sullivan each returned perfect scores of 100, forcing a shoot-off to decide the U-21 title.
With the championship on the line over five pairs, the former St Louis Grammar School pupil produced when it mattered most, hitting nine of ten targets to secure victory and add another major title to his growing list of achievements.
The latest success continues an impressive run for the Glasdrumman shooter, who has established himself as one of Ireland’s leading junior competitors and has represented his country on the international stage this year at the World English Sporting Clays Championship in San Antonio, Texas.
Following his victory, O’Flaherty thanked his coaches, Aidan Collins and Phil Gray, for their encouragement and mentorship throughout his shooting career, acknowledging the role both have played in his development.
It proved to be a memorable weekend in Dunmanway for accomplished shooter Gray too, with O’Flaherty’s mentor also claiming the High Gun Irish Open Championship title.
