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Written by: David Minshall
In January 1874 Arthur Leech of the Irish Rifle Association wrote George Wingate, acknowledging the Amateur Rifle Club’s acceptance of the Irish challenge for a rifle match. He also confirmed that a formal programme would be prepared and submitted for approval.
In February 1874 Leech again wrote Wingate, with the programme of the proposed international rifle match between Ireland and America. Leech confirmed that the 1,100 yards range had been omitted – owing to lack of such at Creedmoor. He also sought to reserve the right of limiting the team to not less than four men or more than eight; largely due to uncertainty as to the availability of riflemen to be away for the necessary prolonged period to attend the match. It was suggested that the match take place any time between 15 September and 15 October 1874.
At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Amateur Rifle Club called to consider the submitted programme, it was resolved that the programme was acceptable with the exception of the section relating to team size. The view was that the team should consist of not less than six men nor more than eight. At the same meeting a committee was elected to make all the necessary arrangement to successfully carry out the proposed match.
