The Irish Badminton Union was formed in 1899 following a disagreement between clubs from Wicklow and Dundrum on the structure of their match. On the 25th of November of that year, in number 4 Fosters Place, just of College Green, in the heart of Dublin that what is now Badminton Ireland was formed. See the below transcript from “Badminton” by S.M.Massey which details the event. Thanks to Dick O’Rafferty and the Badminton Museum of Ireland for providing the below. If you wish to know more about Irish Badminton history please visit the museum’s website – http://www.badmintonmuseumireland.ie/
Transcription of extract from
Badminton by S.M.Massey
Published in 1911
The Game in Ireland
By C.P.R.James
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 around 1896. The Dundrum Club started in 1898, owed its inception to a lady and gentleman, who had seen the game played in 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 Galston (Dalkey) occupied the chair, and two delegates the 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 Galston 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.