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Date: 8/27/2015
HOLYOKE – Having the ability to compete on a level playing field is what propels Tiernan Brady to be at his best when he attends the Holyoke Revolver Club’s weekly Junior Rifle Program.
Brady, 12, who will be entering seventh grade at the Birchland Park Middle School in East Longmeadow this fall, has found his calling among his peers.
“I’ve always wanted to learn to shoot,” said Brady prior to the start of the Aug. 20 class.
Led by Michael Heisler, program director and a certified NRA instructor in rifle and pistol, and certified range safety officer, the program offers young shooters between the ages of 10 to 20 a safe and supervised forum to shoot. Lou Redfern, a certified NRA instructor in rifle, assists Heisler with the program.
Heisler noted that all participants must first pass a Junior Safety Course taught by NRA certified instructors who are also certified as Merit Badge Counselors with the Boy Scouts of America and Trained in Youth Protection.
Topics covered during the Junior Safety Course include rules for safe gun handling, rifle parts and operation, take-down and cleaning procedures, ammunition and shooting fundamentals, and range rules.
“In the club’s 100-year history, safety has always been the top priority for any of our programs,” said Heisler.
Currently, including Brady, there are five boys participating in the program, however, individuals can join at any time of the year.
“Shooting at targets in the indoor range can get boring so we introduce young people to other targets outside,” Heisler said.
The Holyoke Revolver Club, a members-only club, is located on a 35-acre secluded setting on West Cherry Street.
“I would also encourage girls to consider the program,” said Heisler. “Girls are as good, if not better, than boys their age at shooting.”
Heisler noted that the junior pistol program participated in a national competition within the past three years, and one member received “second female shooter in the country.”
“It is a sport where young people can compete, as Tiernan is, on a level playing field despite size, weight, endurance or disability,” said Heisler. “Also, shooting is just fun.”
For Tiernan, the program allows the freedom to learn a sport he has loved for years.
“I enjoy competing and the program is awesome,” said Tiernan.
Dominic Brady, Tiernan’s dad, had investigated gun clubs across the region that could accommodate his son who has special needs. He was encouraged when Bruce Hermans, director of club training at the Holyoke Revolver Club, asked him to attend a monthly meeting to meet members and to check out the facilities.
“Bruce and everyone here have been wonderful and welcoming and Michael Heisler has been very supportive,” Dominic said.
Dominic explained Tiernan was born with a spinal tube defect and has had difficulty walking over the years, even after undergoing surgeries and therapies. This past March, Tiernan underwent major spinal surgery and currently goes between crutches or a wheelchair but that doesn’t stop him from his Thursday night classes.
“His whole attitude has changed since he joined the club in the spring,” said Brady. “Shooting at the gun club is the highlight of his week.”
Melissa Brady echoed those sentiments.
“Tiernan’s confidence has improved tremendously,” she said. “He’s always had a keen interest in guns but has an even greater respect for them and knowledge regarding gun safety.”
Both Dominic and Melissa noted that the gun club program puts Tiernan at the same level as everyone else where he can excel.
“The club has given him the opportunity to be part of a team that focuses on his true skills and strengths,” Melissa said.
Ultimately, Tiernan’s goal is to participate in the Olympics.
“My great uncle Stanley Kobylanski of Holyoke has been taking me hunting since I was 7,” Tiernan said. “I’ve learned a lot from him and continue to learn from Mr. Heisler.”
As Tiernan and his family take one day at a time, for now, Thursday night drives from East Longmeadow to Holyoke are a godsend.
“Our hope one day is Tiernan will walk again,” said Dominic Brady.
For more information on the junior rifle program, contact Heisler at 626-4289 or visit www.holyokerevolverclub.com. The program meets from April to the end of November on Thursday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. Family friendly activities are also conducted during the year.