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.

Last week, in a very pleasant function, the 60th. Anniversary of the official Opening of Terenure Centre was celebrated. Many past and current committee members were in attendance. Two players who competed in the opening invitation tournament, Frank Peard and Jean Sharkey nee Lawless were there to join in the celebrations. Frank Peard gave an interesting and amusing speech relating to the efforts involved in getting the initial project off the ground through to its completion. Jean Sharkey got a great ovation when she accepted a bouquet of flowers. It was great to Chick Doyle’s family attending on the night. Marie, Conor, Jacqueline, Garrett and Elaine were all able to be there. Badminton Museum was able to provide a TV presentation going back to the earliest time of organised Badminton in Ireland up to about 30 years ago and of course spanning the period we were all celebrating.

The Historical Item is a Press cutting indicating that the new hall will be open in the following month. It must have been a tense time for the Tournament Committee as they had committed to having the Midland Branch Close Tournament catering for all standards of play. It has been reported that Branch Trustee, Brian Herman, played in the Tournament.

The Gallery item displays images of four Irish players who competed in the Invitation Tournament to mark the opening of the Hall.

Speaking to a number of people at the function I was expressing our wish that any memorabilia would be very gratefully received either as a gift or a loan. Anyone interested in being in possession of material are asked to contact me through the website.

Dick O’Rafferty
Curator