MEMBERS of Wilkinstown Target Shooting Club were delighted with the support which four of their junior competitors received under the Irish Sports Council’s Carding Grant allocations for 2007.

The four, Damien Fagan, Elizabeth O’Hagan and sisters Susan and Paula Cunningham, will benefit from an allocation of €12,000 in total to assist in their preparation, training and participation in national and international matches.

They are junior members of Wilkinstown Target Shooting Club, which is affiliated to the National Target Shooting Association.

“I am very proud of the shooters in question, they have worked hard to achieve carding status and I hope this investment will inspire them to even greater things,” commented Wilkinstown club coach Matt Fox.

The carding investment will enable these junior athletes to progress to higher levels of achievement in the sport and will provide access to sports professionals who will complement their existing training structures and coaching routine.

The International Carding Scheme was introduced in 1998 to provide a range of supports to assist Ireland’s elite players and athletes reach their potential in international sport. The total direct financial support to athletes will reach €15 million this year since inception in 1998.

The scheme provides direct financial support to those athletes to meet the costs of training, coaching, competition and general living expenses not otherwise covered by their governing body.

The grants are awarded under various categories from Contracted, World Class, International, Developmental and Junior.

The quartet were selected to represent Ireland in the forthcoming European Championships to be held in France later this month but unfortunately due to exam and other commitments are unable to take up their places.

The next major competition will be the Irish National Championships and the International Junior Championships in London