U.S. vs. Ireland: Creedmoor Cup shooting match is Feb. 19-20
Posted February 14, 2019
Teams to compete for bragging rights Feb. 19-20 at Ben Avery Shooting Facility
PHOENIX — On Sept. 26, 1874, two teams met on the Creedmoor National Rifle Range in Long Island, N.Y., for what’s believed to be the first international long-range shooting match.
The year before, the Irish International Shooting Team won a match against England and while fueled by the success challenged the Riflemen of America to the Championship of the World. The Amateur Club of New York answered the call, won the match and cemented the rivalry.
The saga continued in the years leading up to 1910, until public interest declined. In 2011, the match was reborn and called the Creedmoor Cup. It’s now conducted every four years and alternates locations between the U.S. and Ireland.
This year Arizonans can observe history firsthand by attending the Creedmoor Cup at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility on Feb. 19 and 20. Spend a day at the range and feel connections to a sport that started in the 19th century.
