Tragedy At Downpatrick Clay Pigeon Event

Local politicians have expressed their condolences following a shooting accident at a clay-pigeon event near Downpatrick that has resulted in the death of a man in his sixties on Sunday.

A tragic shooting accident in Downpatrick at a clay pigeon event has shocked the wider community.
A tragic shooting accident in Downpatrick at a clay pigeon event has shocked the wider community.

South Down MP Maragret Ritchie said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death in Downpatrick this afternoon of a man at the scene of a clay pigeon shoot.

“Undoubtedly, the family and friends of this man are experiencing unspeakable grief and my deepest sympathies are with them at this time.

“The local community in Downpatrick and further afield will stand shoulder to shoulder with the family of the bereaved and friends on this tragic occasion.”

Colin McGrath MLA added: “This appears to have been a tragic accident and my thoughts and prayers are with the man’s family at this time.

“I will be contacting the PSNI and Council to ensure that a full and robust safety investigation is conducted to see if any lessons can be drawn from this terrible event to ensure that such an accident doesn’t occur again in the future and to maximise safety at such events.”