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.

At the recent Badminton Ireland General Meeting Chairperson, Ronan Rooney, indicated the National Governing Body is fully in favour of the Museum project and expressed thanks to the donors of financial support, the Leinster Branch for their provision of space at Baldoyle Centre and the Trustees for the work done to date. This is the first public support for the Museum from Badminton Ireland and the Trustees look forward to an early meeting to progress the matter.

In light of the fact that Baldoyle Badminton Centre was opened 25 years ago this year the Historical item displays a very interesting article by David Evans. It gives a good view of how the realisation of a second centre for the Branch came about and we must imagine the immense amount of work that went on behind the scenes. David mentions the satisfaction of the project team involved and this would relate none more so to David himself who was the guiding influence.

The Gallery item shows the draw being made for the first ever Thomas Cup and it is noted that three Irish persons were in attendance. Apart from Rev. Jennings and Major McCallum, J.Plunkett- Dillon Vice President was also Irish. Following on from Ireland playing in the fist ever International Match and being founder members of the International Badminton Federation this emphasis the deep heritage of Irish Badminton.

I am very keen to hear from people who would like to donate or loan material to the Museum and contact can be made through the website. In speaking to a keen young player recently it seems that there may be a feeling that the Museum is only be interested in items relating to top class players. This is far from the case because the Museum has a great respect for all those unsung heroes who keep Badminton flourishing at club, county and Branch level.

Dick O’Rafferty
Curator