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.

We welcome in a new year and our wish is to increase the amount of Badminton heritage material that will be saved for posterity. Recent discussions with Leinster Branch have been very encouraging in relation to having viewing space later in the year. Because of Trustees concern for continuing preservation of material, positive discussions have been held with the National Library whose main remit is collection, preservation and access to material and this tallies closely with the aims of Badminton Museum of Ireland.

The Gallery Item is a 1970 image of the Garda Badminton Club Team that won the Dublin and District Salver the 2nd highest Cup competition. A number of those players have given many years of service to Badminton. Joe Buckley served for many years as Chairman of the Dublin and District Leagues and Cups Committee. Fred Colley and Mary Gannon became qualified coaches and were involved with many Branch teams over the years. Sometime after this period the Club name was changed to Avondale at the request of Garda Siochana. Visiting teams tended to find winning in the hall difficult but any disappointment they may have had was compensated for by the club’s renowned match teas.

The historical item gives a good picture of the aspirations of ex-International Jim Colfor. Jim was probably the hardest working player of his period and took training for the game very seriously. He was the winner of many important tournaments but the Irish title eluded him. We are delighted to report that Jim has commenced a new venture in Rathgar – Run zone – and we wish him every success.

We are, as usual, keen to extend the amount of Badminton material and welcome contact through the website.

Dick O’Rafferty
Curator