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 the Historical Section of this issue there is an interesting Press Report from 1934. The highlight is the indication that Irishman, Willoughby Hamilton, was listed by Sir George Thomas (presenter of the Thomas Cup) as the world ranked no. 1 Singles player. He achieved this ranking despite playing a comparatively few Tournaments. In reading the report of his defeat in the Irish Open Championships it would appear that the early rounds of this event would have been played on Thursday night, followed by the International match on Friday night with the championships resuming on the Saturday. Also it is noted that the Interprovincial Match between Midland Branch and Northern Branch was to be played on the last day of the Irish Close Championships. A tough time for those players trying to impress International Selectors. It is interesting to note that Badminton Union was keen to give players from clubs with small halls a chance to sample Championship conditions in Elm Park by offering special booking rates. Finally it interesting to note that G.B.S.Mack is to follow in the footsteps of Frank Devlin by moving across the Atlantic to join the professional ranks.

The Gallery Section displays a top line-up for an Exhibition Match played in Whitehall Road in 1960. Our archives show that the playing of Exhibition matches was prevalent at that time and helped to develop the game. The ladies taking part need no introduction with Sue Peard and Judy Hashman the world's number one pairing at the time. Based on their results in the All-England Championships Mary O'Sullivan (now Bryan) and Yvonne Kelly would be ranked only a little below them. T.Khajadbadye had won the Thailand Mens Singles Championships on three occasions and had played on the Thailand National Team. C.Wattanasin played 15 times for Thailand and was twice runner-up in the Mens Singles at the All England. Trevor Coates played 19 times for England. Bob McCoig was a most popular visitor to Ireland and played many times for Scotland and was a multiple winner of Scottish National titles at Singles, Doubles and Mixed

I am always glad to get opinions and suggestions through the web site.

Please note that there will be no mid-August issue with the next issue due on September 1st.

Dick O’Rafferty
Curator