Marksmen from the Irish Army Rangers take part in the shooting competition

Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Mark Mellett hailed them as warriors - members of the Defence Forces who strive constantly to develop their capability skills.

He singled out one warrior in particular, Sgt Stevie McColgan, who became ill and died earlier this year at the age of 37. Sgt McColgan was described by the chief of staff as a great soldier and sniper. In his honour, a perpetual trophy was awarded to the winners of an international marksmanship skills competition, at the Glen of Imaal military range.

The Army Ranger Wing took on the might of the US special forces, a sniper unit from the German Navy, and a team from the UK's Royal Irish Regiment.

The Rangers gave a further boost to their international standing by taking the top prize at the Glen.

Irish Independent