A challenge from Ireland in 1873 to the riflemen of the United States resulted in a series of international long range match rifle competitions fired at Creedmoor (USA), Dollymount (Ireland) and Wimbledon (England). In 1876 Ireland competed in both the Centennial Trophy match and a seperate match against the United States. These events received widespread public interest and much press coverage, however the 1877 match between Great Britain and the USA marked the end of an era. Public interest waned with nothing to inspire it in the following two years, so in an effort to revive interest Ireland extened an invitation to the United States for a friendly competition in 1880.

Pictured right: The Irish team at Creedmoor, 1874.