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 we are showing an interesting Letter of Appeal by Rathgar Badminton Club to the Executive Committee 52 years ago. The club was upset by a decision of the Dublin and District Leagues and Cups Committee. It seems that the Committee was concerned that walk-overs were distorting league tables and checked fully into the circumstances. Later correspondence shows that the Executive Committee turned down the appeal but were sympathetic to the club. One wonders what would have been the position today in the same circumstances.

The Gallery item displays players from a match in 1946 between New Hall Fund and the RAF. It is noteworthy how far back there was planning for a purpose built Badminton Hall in Dublin which eventually opened in 1954.Included in the RAF team was Noel Radford the English Number 1 player at the time. It is good that the photograph includes Dick Bell and Frank Peard whose names appear on the plaque at Terenure Centre. The Metropolitan Hall is in Abbey Street Dublin and was the venue for many major matches. It was the Hall used by Central Badminton Club.

With some progress being made with Badminton Ireland I am keen to receive indications of support for the Museum project and would welcome any memorabilia on or by donation. All comments through the website are welcome.

Dick O’Rafferty
Curator