Welcome to BADMINTON MUSEUM OF IRELAND.

The purpose of the Badminton Museum of Ireland is to preserve the great heritage of Irish Badminton and to make the general badminton public aware of it.

In this issue we are concentrating on two great Irish players of different eras.

In the gallery we display an early photograph of Chick Doyle. The notes with the photograph give a brief summary of his playing achievements. His footwork was an example for younger players. It is said that his proficiency as an Irish dancer in his youth was the basis for his lightness of foot. In closely looking at his action one can see the full pronation of the forearm. Coaches, in recent times, have been intimating that this is a comparatively new technique. This photographs strongly suggests otherwise. Chick was very active off-court also. He was for many years an Executive Committee member and served as President of the Leinster Branch. He was always keen to contribute his knowledge to help improve playing standards. He was a fine player, a dedicated official and was always most enjoyable company.

The historical section mourns the passing of one of Ireland’s greatest players, G.S.B.Mack. J.Plunkett –Dillon, the Irish author of the article served as President of International Badminton Federation (now World Badminton Federation). Noting that he had been Headmaster of Sandford Park School it would be interesting to know if Badminton was played in the School at the time. Sandford Park has competed regularly in the Dublin Schools competitions. It is interesting that he appears to have adapted his style somewhat with the start of his partnership with Frank Devlin. One wonders did this just evolve or was Devlin positively instrumental in him making the change. I note that Plunkett-Dillon makes no reference to the fact that he was better known as Curly – from photographs I assume it is because of the straightness of his hair rather than lack of it.

As usual I am interested in receiving comments on the website and on the Museum project in general.

 

Dick O’Rafferty, Curator, Badminton Museum of Ireland

 

This Edition: 1st October 2010 | Next Edition 15th October 2010
 
Web Design & Hosting By: www.nealmurphy.ie