Badminton - How it started in Ireland

We are well informed on how badminton started in Ireland. One of the first books on badminton was S. M. Massey’s “Badminton”, published in London in 1911. Massey was one of the pioneers of English badminton. One of the chapters in his book was “The Game in Ireland” contributed by C. P. R. James, an Irish enthusiast. One cannot do better than quote his opening paragraphs -

"Badminton has now been played for a number of years in Ireland, and, as far as can be ascertained, the Limavady Club, founded in 1892, was the first established in this country. Both the Derry and Coleraine Clubs quickly followed its lead, while at Wicklow a fairly strong club was started in 1896. The Dundrum Club, started in 1898, owed its inception to a lady and gentlemen who had seen the game played at Wicklow. Shortly after, the Sandford and Dalkey Clubs came into existence. The origin of the Irish Badminton Union was due to a difference of opinion between the Wicklow and Dundrum Clubs as to which games matches should consist of. When the matter came before the committee of the Dundrum Club, it was felt by them that some central body should be formed to legislate on such matters, and, as Hon. Sec. of that club, I was requested to convene a meeting of clubs. Accordingly, on November 25, 1899, at 4, Foster Place, Dublin, the inaugural meeting was held. Lieutenant-Colonel Gelston (Dalkey) occupied the chair, and two delegates from Dalkey, Dundrum, Sandford, and Wicklow Clubs attended. It was resolved there and then to form the Irish Badminton Union and the draft rules submitted were adopted. Colonel Gelston was appointed Hon. Sec; Captain Newton (Wicklow) Hon. Treasurer. The Union continued a perfunctory existence until 1902, when Mr. H. H. Humfrey, then Hon. Sec. suggested an open tournament, which was unanimously agreed to."

The first tournament was held in February 1902 at the Earlsfort Terrace Rink, Dublin. In 1903 the IBU resolved to challenge England. The challenge was accepted and a powerful English team visited Ireland. The match was played in the Earlsfort Terrace Rink and England won 5/2. Thus began the international series which, unfortunately for Ireland, England always won. On two occasions Ireland was within a point or two of success.

The IBU and the Badminton Association (the English body, founded in 1893) always worked together in close harmony. It was accepted that the BA was the premier body and in 1902 it was accepted that one member of the IBU should serve on the Badminton Association Committee. This situation continued until 1934 when the International Badminton Federation was founded. An Irishman, J. Plunkett-Dillon, was very much involved in the foundation of the new organisation and in due course he became its President, only one of two Irishmen to occupy that position.

A copy of Massey’s book has been presented to the Badminton Museum of Ireland.