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.

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!

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.

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.

Roscommon Sports Partnership

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

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!