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.

The historical item is a Press Report from 1931 and gives a very clear idea of the Amateur era where the talented athlete could achieve success at a number of sports and undoubtedly widen ones enjoyment of sport generally. Nowadays there seems to be a push on narrower concentration on a particular sport at ever-younger ages. The Hamiltons were indeed a remarkable family and it is wonderful to have this short record of their achievements. Mavis Hamilton will appear in later records under her married name Mavis Macnaughton. It is interesting to note the details of the Irish Junior and Senior Cups. At that time and until comparatively recently the Branches held their own section of these events and then played a semi final and or final against other Branch winners depending on which Branch held a qualifying event.

The Gallery item pictures the Ailesbury and Ramblers teams at the 1950 Final of the Irish Senior Cup. I would be delighted if the name of the "unknown" players could be supplied. I am wondering whether the photograph was taken before or after the match when I see three of Ireland's top players not in Badminton attire. I suspect that their matches were finished early rather than that they arrived a little late. Any ideas?

It is hoped to have space to accept further items of memorabilia within the next couple of months so please contact me if you would like to donate or loan items.

Dick O’Rafferty
Curator