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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

* * * 2010 * * *



Highlights of 2009

As the end of the year is upon us it seems like a good time to remember some of the highlights of 2009 and there were a few.....

- April 2009: The Division 5 & 6 teams both competed in their
respective County Finals with Division 6 emerging victorious and
representing the County in the Connaught Finals in Galway.





- May 2009: The Division 3 team having won the Connaught title in
Galway went forward to represent in the All-Ireland Finals in Dublin in
May where they were narrowly defeated.




- Sept 2009: Having finished the season on such a high we came back in September to a club which was invigorated and revitalised with a major increase in new membership.

- Oct 2009: For National Badminton Week we held two Open Sessions, one for Seniors and one for Junior players. Both were hugely successful, better than we could have hoped for and as a result Boyle Junior Badminton Club commenced.


- Nov 2009: The club held a table quiz in the Moving Stairs which
was a great night and was really well supported.





Members of the club participated in Open Competitions in Trim, Co Meath and in Loughglynn and Boyle was very successful in both tournaments.

- Dec 2009: The Connaught Close for Division 5 & 6 was held in Castlebar and again Boyle players featured in the prize listings.

So fondly remembering 2009 we welcome 2010 and hope that an even longer list of highlights will feature this time next year!!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Christmas Party!

Last night there were new hairstyles, new frocks and even new socks!!!!

We had another great night in the Moving Stairs in Boyle for our Christmas night out where there were over 20 members attending. A lovely meal was followed with plenty of drink, chat and craic until the wee hours.
Great to see so many out supporting the club and enjoying another night away from the courts.


Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Christmas Night Out!


Just in case there's any member who may have missed club nights recently, we are having our Christmas club night out on this Friday 18th December at 8.30pm in The Moving Stairs in Boyle.

If you think you can make it and haven't already put your name on the list, please contact me, Liz, at boylebadminton@gmail.com.

It should be a lively and festive end to our 2009 badminton season!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Connaught Close Division 5 & 6, Castlebar - Dec 5th

Boyle was again well represented in Castlebar on Saturday for the Connaught Close Division 5 and 6 Championships. Derek Nolan, Anthony McKeon, Tom Cox, Seamus Ryan and Deirdre Burke all played in Doubles and Mixed Doubles competition. They played quite a number of games against competition from Mayo, Galway, Sligo and Roscommon.

Derek and Anthony played really well and made it through to the Mens Doubles Final, just narrowly missing out on the win and Deirdre who partnered up with Mary Staunton from Ballinaheglish again played through to feature in the Ladies Doubles Final.

All of those who took part enjoyed a great day in Castlebar where they payed compliment to the organisers who ran everything very smoothly and without delay.

The Connaught Close for Division 3 and 4 will be played in Boyle in January so we look forward to welcoming players from all over the province to the club in the New Year.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Congratulations Niamh!

The club wishes to send congratulations to Niamh, Shane, Conor and Mark on the latest arrival to the Caslin household, little Emma.

Niamh is a long-standing member of the club and we're all delighted to hear her fantastic news.... Congratulations!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Loughglynn Badminton Open - Sunday 15th Nov 09

Boyle Badminton Club was very well represented yesterday at the Loughglynn Badminton Open where fourteen of our members competed in Singles, Doubles and Mixed Competition, they were Padraic O Dowd, Sean Carroll, Ruth O Hart, Berni Lavin, Geraldine Guckian, Liz O Dowd, Tracey Sheridan, Padraig Sheridan, Derek Nolan, Anthony McKeon, Tom Cox, Seamus Ryan, Deirdre Burke & Sean Diffley.

In Mens Singles, Sean Carroll competed very well coming in second in the Advanced Grade, Padraic O Dowd and Sean won the Mens Doubles competition in Advanced and Berni Lavin and Ruth O Hart won the Advanced Ladies Doubles Competition.

The Doubles Competition was run in a Round Robin format and all of the Boyle pairings did very well throughout. Tom Cox and Seamus Ryan were runners up in the Intermediate Doubles Mens Final and Sean Diffley and Padraig Sheridan won the third place playoff in the same grade.

The Mixed Doubles was a knock-out format, one game to 30 points, and again all of our players had very close matches with one more success for Boyle in the Final as Padraic and Berni won out the Mixed Doubles.

Thank you to Loughglynn for hosting the competition and looking after us all so well, we had a great day with high spirits both on and off the court!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Another great night!!


We had another fantastic night for the badminton club last night and not a racquet or a shuttle in sight! It was our table quiz in the Moving Stairs where we were hoping to raise funds towards updating the lighting in the sports complex.

Thanks to an amazing job by our quizmaster Mandy who had put together a very fair and challenging quiz everyone had a great night and we finished up with just over €700 raised, more than any of us expected.

Thank you very much to Donal for donating his time in helping myself and Mandy with correcting and score-keeping.

There were 15 tables involved through 10 rounds and it finished up in an exciting tie-break between the top two teams. We'd like to acknowledge the donation made by the winning team of their prize-money and other prizes, which had been sponsored by local businesses, won during the raffle were also donated back so thank you very much to everyone for your generosity.

Once again thank you to all of our members for unfailing support and making it a great success.
Nights like this can only be achieved when everyone is of same mind and pulling together.... so well done!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Reminder - Table Quiz


Don't forget the club's Table Quiz which is on Friday night, 6th November, in the Moving Stairs, Boyle at 9pm. Entry for a table of four is €20 with raffle and spot prizes on the night.

All proceeds will go towards the lighting fund for the sports complex.

We are asking all of our members to come and support it and do please encourage anyone who may be interested in table quizes to come along, it promises to be a great night!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Junior Open Session


We finished off National Badminton Week with an Open Session for Junior players at Boyle Sports Complex this evening. Again, like our Senior Open Session, it was better than we could have imagined. There were nearly twenty young people who enjoyed some fun racquet exercises and games led by the Club Captain, Padraic O Dowd along with the assistance of some of our Senior members. They enjoyed some treats to finish up after working very hard for the full hour.

The grown ups who attended also enjoyed some treats!!


This session was very encouraging as the start of our Junior Club which will now continue every Sunday evening from 6 - 7pm.


















Friday, October 30, 2009

What a Night!

Last night, Thursday 29th October, we had our Open Night at the Complex as part of National Badminton Week, it was even better than we could have expected!

We had quite a few visitors who came up to see what we are all about and they really enjoyed themselves. Everyone had an opportunity to chat and sometimes there was even a spot of badminton played....with help from our existing members, our visitors were given a taste of the game, it's rules and the scoring system.

Padraic, the Club Captain, offered a coaching session for about half an hour during the night which incorporated some fun exercises to get everyone moving around the court and hitting the shuttle.




Before we finished we enjoyed tea, coffee and biccies. It was great to catch up with people who hadn't played for many years and a couple who hadn't ever played and even better to hear them talk about coming back for more!

A huge thank you to all the club members who were there last night for making the night the success it was and for the welcome and encouragement our visitors received.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Reminder - Open Night Thursday 29th October

Just a quick reminder that next Thursday 29th October from 9pm to 11pm is the Open Night in Boyle Badminton Club as part of National Badminton Week. This is an opportunity for anyone who may have an interest in taking up the sport to come in to the complex, meet the current club members and get a feel for the game. There will be light refreshments before we finish.

Also, the Open Session for Juniors will be on Sunday 1st November from 6 to 7pm. Please note places will be limited for Juniors.

Success at Meath Open


Three of our club members travelled to Trim in Co Meath on Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th to compete in the Meath Open. Having come through numerous rounds of difficult mens doubles matches Derek Nolan and Anthony McKeon found themselves competing in the Division 6 Final against their fellow clubman Sean Diffley and his partner. Following a tough encounter the boys were defeated but whatever the outcome Boyle was going to have success so hearty congratulations to Sean on the win.


All three competed in mixed doubles matches on Sunday too so the competition afforded them the opportunity to play against and with many players they may not ordinarily have faced. They also had the chance to watch players of international standard such as Dan Magee with whom they are photographed here.

I know the three lads thoroughly enjoyed the experience and we as a club are very proud of their achievement.

Congratulations Sean, Derek and Anthony!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Table Quiz

Boyle Badminton Club is holding a Table Quiz on Friday 6th November 2009 at The Moving Stairs in Boyle at 9pm. Entry for a table of four is €20. There will be a raffle and spot prizes on the night. All funds raised will go towards the lighting fund for Boyle Community and Sports Centre.

Your support will be greatly appreciated.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Club success in Connaught Junior Open


Some of our Division 2 team members were invited to participate in the Connaught Junior Badminton Open at the Sligo Tennis Club at the weekend. Well done to all of them who played very well against difficult competition from all over the country.

Congratulations to Padraic O Dowd who along with Audrey Delaney from the Strokestown Badminton Club were runners up in the top grade of the Mixed Doubles competition.


Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Roscommon Sports Partnership

Thank you to Roscommon Sports Partnership for contribution towards the Coaching Course held on 3rd October 2009 at Boyle Sports Complex.


Saturday, October 3, 2009

Introductory Level Badminton Coaching Course


On Saturday 3rd October we hosted the Introductory Level Coaching Course at Boyle Sports Complex facilitated by Badminton Ireland Development Officer, Tommy Hehir, from Galway Lawn Tennis Club.

There were 18 participants in total and the course was very enjoyable and informative, covering many of the basics that most of us never took the time to learn properly before we started playing. Tommy also showed us some fun games and exercises to do ourselves and with beginners which will keep the game exciting, interesting and fresh.

Everyone had a great day particularly with Tommy's fun, patient and relaxed attitude towards coaching which made it a pleasure to take on board his advice and tips.


Thanks very much Tommy and as always thanks to the club "caterers" for the lovely refreshments!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

National Badminton Week 23rd Oct to 1st Nov

As part of National Badminton Week, we will hold an open night on Thursday 29th October for adults at Boyle Sports Complex from 9pm - 11pm. This will be a chance for anyone who may like to give badminton a try to come up and meet our members, have a bit of fun on the court and enjoy some light refreshments afterwards.

There will also be a similar session for children aged 8yrs and upwards on Sunday November 1st from 6pm - 7pm. Places will be limited for this session.

Contact us on boylebadminton@gmail.com for any further information.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Loughglynn Badminton Open

This week we welcomed some players from Loughglynn and Ballaghadereen Badminton Clubs who joined us for a few friendly and very enjoyable games.

Loughglynn Badminton Club are holding an Open Competition on Sunday 15th November 2009 which will have categories for Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced players as well as for Junior and Senior players. This will be a great opportunity for all levels of players to get involved in a little friendly fun competition and meet players from different clubs.

For further information or registration forms contact Jim Fahey at loughglynnbadmintonclub@gmail.com or contact us at boylebadminton@gmail.com and we'll be happy to pass on your interest.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

First Night Back!

Our new season opened last night, 7th September, with a great turnout at the complex. It was good to catch up with everyone again after the break and welcome some new prospective members. The courts look great after some of the club were in last week to touch up the lines and we had some great games.

We finished up with a cuppa and a chat about the season ahead. It's great to be back!

Monday, August 24, 2009

New Season to Commence...

The Club will resume play on Monday 7th September at 9.30pm in Boyle Sports Complex. Club nights will remain Mondays from 9.30pm - 11.30pm and Thursdays from 9pm to 11pm.

New members will be very welcome and we're hoping to be able to offer some coaching to anyone who would like to learn the basics or refreshers for those who haven't taken up their racquets for some time!

Looking forward to seeing all the familiar faces and hopefully some new ones too!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Boyle Summer Show - Sunday 30th August

Boyle Badminton Club is participating in the parade in the Boyle Summer Show on Sunday 30th August and it would be great to have the support and attendance of as many members and interested parties as possible.

We will meet at 1.30pm at the Family Life Centre on the day and if you have a club shirt please wear it otherwise a plain white polo shirt will be grand!

We look forward to seeing you there, lets show everyone what a great club we are all a part of!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Anyone got old badminton pics?

We're trying to put together a bit of a photographic archive of Boyle Badminton Club over the past few years, we have plenty of current pictures but hardly any going back over the years so if anyone has any photographs we could get a copy of please contact us by email on boylebadminton@gmail.com.

Thank you!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

The Moving Stairs - June 5th 2009

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There was a great attendance as the club descended on The Moving Stairs in Boyle last Friday night to mark the end of a very memorable season. We had a fantastic night of food, drink, chat and craic.

A very nice three course meal was followed by some presentations by Padraic, the Club Captain.
Ruth O'Hart received the award for Division 3, Seamus Ryan for Division 5 and Geraldine Guckian for Division 6. A special prize for Best Smash 2009 was awarded to Padraig Sheridan but unfortunately Padraig wasn't able to be there to accept the award so Liz, his mixed doubles partner, did so on his behalf. As Sean, incoming Club Chairperson, commented, with such a gang of players next year can only get better - we can't wait!

By all reports many club members continued flying the flag well into the early hours, a great end to a great season.


Friday, May 29, 2009

Last night of play 08/09 season

Our club season came to a close last night with a great turnout. We had a very productive and positive meeting about how we all want to see the club progress and it was fantastic that some of our newest members felt comfortable enough to share their thoughts and some really great ideas with everyone.

It bodes very well for the coming year and hopefully we can encourage some more new players to pick up their racquets and join us!

So thanks everyone for the effort and enthusiasm shown in this past season and we look forward to an even better one to come!

Monday, May 18, 2009

All Ireland Finals Sunday 17th May 09 - Part II


Division 3 travelled to Dublin to play in the All-Ireland Finals in Baldoyle Badminton Centre yesterday along with a happy bunch of vociferous supporters.

The first round was played in the morning against the Leinster Division 3 qualifiers, Rahan from Offaly, and Boyle, in flying form, took that match 6 - 1. There was a bit of a break then until facing the Munster qualifiers from Carrigaline in Cork at about 3.45pm. This proved a much tougher encounter with a lot of the games being very close and it ultimately came down to the very last set which was lost by only two points. Of course if the usual method of scoring in a Round Robin competition had been used, Boyle would have been way ahead in sets and crowned All-Ireland champions, as they deserved to have been! C'est la vie!

Such an amount of hard work and training had gone in to prepare for the final, it seems very cruel to have come so close and have it snatched away at the very last but hopefully when they get a chance to mull it over, despite being very disappointed, the team will be extremely proud to walk away with All-Ireland Silver in Division 3. Congratulations to all.

No mean feat for our little club from Boyle in Roscommon! Onwards and upwards!!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

All-Ireland Finals Sunday 17th May 09

Sunday 17th is fast approaching and the excitement and anticipation is palpable in the club.

It seems there will be quite a few members making the journey to the Baldoyle Badminton Centre in Dublin to support our Division 3 team, something they are very grateful for.

There is great admiration for them that they have come so far this year, as indeed have both the Division 6 and Division 5 teams, and win or lose on Sunday it is safe to say there is a well-deserved sense of pride in the club and its achievements in the 2009 season.

So just to wish Padraic, Sean, John, Ruth, Bernie, Mandy and Deirdre the very best of luck on Sunday - we're behind ye all the way!!

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Connaught Association AGM

The Connaught Branch AGM was held in Claremorris on Tuesday 28th April, three of our club members attended. A new committee was elected and it is hoped to put a comprehensive new strategy in place to revitalise and develop badminton in Connaught over the next few years. This should start at both club and county level so with every members participation and cooperation it is hoped to implement some of these changes in Boyle in the new season.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Connaught League Finals - Sun 26th April 2009




Our teams in Division 3 and Division 6 competed for Roscommon in the Connaught Finals in the Galway Lawn Tennis Club yesterday.

Division 6 gave a very good performance and while they gave their competitors cause for concern in a few of the games they were ultimately overcome by a very strong Galway team from Cortoon.

Division 3 however put up a fantastic performance against a Galway team from the Lawn Tennis Club and won the match in four straight games. They go on now to represent Connaught in Division 3 in the All-Ireland Finals on 17th May in Baldoyle in Dublin. Congratulations to Padraic, John, Sean, Ruth, Bernie, Mandy and Deirdre.

A word of thanks to our loyal supporters, the Sheridan clan and the Kiernan clan - thanks for being there!

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Congratulations to the Division 5 team on reaching the County Final on Thursday last against a very good Ballinaheglish side. Just not in luck this year but great performance all round! Best of luck to the Ballinaheglish team in the Connaught Final on Sunday in Galway.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Division 6 - County Champions!







Congratulations to our Division 6 team, fantastic win on Tuesday night against a very good Glinsk side. It went down to the wire but thanks to a great performance by Derek and Geraldine in third mixed we took the match 4 to 3. Well done to everyone and good luck on Sunday next 26th April when they join our Division 3 team in Galway Lawn Tennis Club for the Connaught League Finals!




Monday, April 13, 2009

BBC 1







A couple of photos taken recently in Feb 09.

BBC 1

Welcome to Boyle Badminton Club!



Just thought it would be good to get us on the web given that we are having a pretty good year. Two teams heading for County Finals next week and Div 3 going to Connaught in two weeks time, here's hoping at least one of the other teams either Div 5 or 6 will join them there!



I'll update when I know more!