Ireland were crowned the ‘best snipers in the world’ this week after beating rivals from the US, Canada, Germany and the UK in the annual US Army International Sniper Competition.
The event took place at the US Military base Fort Benning in Georgia. It was started after 9/11 with the intention of bringing together all the world’s best snipers for four days a year so that they can learn and compete with each other.
The Irish team were victorious after a tough, gruelling process which involved numerous tests of their skill, stamina and precision.
Contestants were allowed only a few hours sleep a night, and took on a series of tasks including sniper stalk, movement shoots and obstacle courses.
In total there were 37 teams taking part in the competition from various coalition counties, as well as numerous units from within the US. Each team was made up of two people, one spotter and one sniper.
The Irish winners are the first team from outside the US to win the competition since its inception. However, they have not been named as their identities need to be kept secret.
WRBL News reported on the event, and were full of praise for the Irish team.
