Kildare woman makes history at world rifle shooting competition

International Gallery Rifle Federation (IGRF) World Championships

County Kildare woman, Julie Moran, has made history as the first Irish woman to win a world championship medal in gallery rifle shooting. Competing in the International Gallery Rifle Federation (IGRF) World Championships, held during the German Open in Leitmar, Germany, last week (November 8-10), Julie claimed bronze in the Women’s Individual World Championship Competition.
This remarkable achievement reflects several years of dedication and hard work. Julie first discovered her passion for shooting in 2017 after attending a women’s day event at a local club. Though initially apprehensive, her enthusiasm quickly grew, leading her to join several shooting clubs and later participate in national competitions under the National Association of Sporting Rifle and Pistol Clubs (NASRPC).
In 2018, Julie founded Women in Shooting Sports Ireland, an initiative aimed at encouraging women to explore shooting sports, which remains a male-dominated field. “There were so few women in gallery rifle and pistol competitions,” she explains, “that I felt it was important to try and encourage more women into the sport and create awareness of the women already in this and other shooting sports. While we haven’t seen a huge influx yet, the platform has created visibility for the sport and inspired other women to share their achievements.”
Julie’s path to the world championship podium included a busy schedule of competitions across Ireland, including the Irish leg of the International series of Opens, which was held in Fermoy Rifle Club, in Cork, this past summer. It was on this circuit where Julie honed her skills in events like the 1500, and the 25 and 50 metre precision. Training nearly every weekend, she prepared for her first international competition in Germany with unrelenting focus. The world championship event itself was a memorable experience for Julie. Competing alongside world-class marksmen and women from countries like England, Scotland, Wales, Germany, South Africa and, of course, Ireland, she was struck by the camaraderie among competitors and the friendships formed at the social events. The state-of-the-art indoor range (a stark contrast to most of Ireland’s outdoor ranges) was another highlight of the event for the Kildare woman.
“When my name was called out for bronze in the women’s individual category, I was both thrilled and shocked,” Julie recalls. “I really admire the two women who took gold and silver—Jessica Eggers from Germany and Amiel Gardiner from England—so it was an honour to stand on the same podium as them.” Having a women’s category did not preclude Julie and the other women athletes from competing against their male counterparts in all the disciplines over the three days. In fact, Julie placed 5th overall in the 50 metre precision, with only five points between her and the gold medallist, Daniel Eggers of Germany. She also claimed a silver medal with three other teammates in a discipline called the Timed and Precision One. 
Despite her achievements, Julie points out the challenges facing shooting sports in Ireland, including the stigma associated with firearms and the lack of funding and recognition for the sport. “Almost 30 people travelled from Ireland to Germany to represent our country, yet it wasn’t featured in any sporting news at home. Neither was sponsorship made available to those representing Ireland on an internationally recognised team. It’s disappointing, but it motivates me to advocate for greater awareness and support for this sport.”
Looking ahead, Julie is focused on national competitions and aiming for a spot next time on the Irish team for the prestigious 1500 match. Ranked first in Ireland for the 25m precision and second for several other disciplines, her determination to excel is evident. To women considering the sport, Julie offers this encouragement: “If I can do it, anyone can. I’d never held a firearm before attending my first event, but it turned into a passion and a source of pride. Local clubs are very welcoming and more than happy to introduce newcomers to this extremely satisfying sport.”
Julie’s historic achievement is not only a personal triumph but a significant milestone for Irish shooting sports, which she hopes will inspire others to take aim at this exciting and rewarding sport!