It proved, indeed, to be a bumber nights Badminton at the CPC.IE sponsored Badminton County Singles Championships played at the Killarney Sports Centre on Friday night last, where over 70 competitors took part in the ladies and men’s championships for divisions 1, 3 and 5.
The fare provided was out of the top drawer and the games were so close and exciting that the chimes of midnight had tolled before the final shuttle was put away.
Indeed, that final shuttle was played by the defending div. 1 singles champion. Tom Bourke of the Kingdom Club of Castleisland, who must be living in cloud ten all week as by his defeat of that talented teenager from Moyvane, James Flaherty. He collected his 10th singles title, his first one being back in 2006.
This was a stirring mens decider as young Flaherty pushed the champion the full way and some of the rallies provided were of the highest quality. It was experience that won for Bourke. as he had the patience to bide his time during those long rallies.
Bourke played the ideal singles game by clearing shot after shot to the base line and never went for the smash until the time was ripe and when he did they were winners.
Flaherty, on the other hand, did play his part in those rallies but might have gone for the net drop shot a bit too soon and when he did, he was punished by Bourke.
The game was won by Bourke in two close sets, 21-17 in both, but there is no doubt that the name of James Flaherty will be engraved on that prestigious cup many a time in the years to come.
The ladies division 1 final was between two players who have contested this final several times in the past. These were defending champion Edel Broderick of the Castleisland Kingdom Club and Dingle’s Ciara O’Connor, who last held this crown three years ago .
This was another spirited contest between two players who would have known each other so well. It was another two set decider and this time it was the Dingle girl who came out on top by 21-16; 21-18.
In the mens division 3 mens final there was another Kingdom player like Bourke who retained his title. That was Aidan McCarthy and his final opponent was the talented Timmy Noonan of Moyvane.
The first set was of high quality and great excitement with the defending champion winning by 21-18 and despite the best efforts of the gallant Noonan, McCarthy made sure of victory when winning set number 2 by 21-15.
The ladies division 3 decider was the only final of the night that went to the three sets for decision. In this contest, Moyvane’s Helen Browne faced Listowel’s Michelle Kearney, who also reached this decider last year.
The opening set was score for score with the sides level at both 7 and 9 each but Miss Kearney gradually eased in front and just came home by 21-18. Again the second set was tentative with the sides again level at 4 and 5 each but Mrs Browne then seized the initiative and forged ahead to win the set and level the match by 21-11.
In that third and final set the sides were again level at 4 each but the Moyvane lady was now on fire and despite the best efforts of Miss Kearney, the title was on its way to Moyvane with Mrs. Browne coming again good by 21-11.
The division 5 ladies decider saw Killarney up against Kingdom with last season’s finalist, Elaine Galvin, representing Killarney and Eimear Horgan flying the Castleisland colours.
Both of these players came into this decider with glowing reputations and no doubt both enhanced these reputations on the night. Both girls are teenagers and both gave their all with the Killarney girl edging out the first set by 21-15 and despite a noble effort by Miss Horgan, the title was bound for Killarney with Miss Galvin winning by 21-9.
The mens division 5 final was another all teenager confrontation with 16 year old Niall Geaney of Dingle taking on 15 year old Liam Greaney of Moyvane.
It was the Dingle youth who won the first set by 21-11 but what a second set display both youths put with the sides level at 20 each but Dingle won their second title on the night with Geaney edging out for victory by 22-20 in the tie break but fair play to the gallant Greaney for playing his part in an impressive contest.
The next series of County Championship fare will be the division 2 and 4 ladies and mens singles Championships to be played in Killarney on Friday night Feb.5th commencing at 7.45 pm.
Entry forms are now with club secretaries. Players are requested to note the change of date for these championships from what is printed on the annual fixture card.
Div 3 Ladies Singles Champs taken at the Killarney Sports & Leisure Centre where the Singles Championships took place. L/R, Johnny Brosnan (Co President) presenting the Division 3 Cup to Helen Brown (Moyvane), with Michelle Kearney (Listowel) Runner Up, & Junior Griffin (Co Chairman).
MUNSTER CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Killarney Sports Centre will once again be the place to be for all Munster Badminton enthusiasts on Sunday next the last day of January 2016 where the Munster Senior 1 and the Junior Badminton Championships will be played off.
Kerry’s Tom Bourke will go into action defending 2 titles, the mens singles and the mens doubles with his Castleisland Club partner Eric Nelligan whilst Dingles Ciara O’Connor will also be defending 2 titles, the ladies doubles and the mixed doubles crown, both won with Waterford partners.
In the junior championships Killarney’s Maeve Twomey and Listowel’s Fergal Hannon will hope to defend their mixed title and Moyvane’s Elaine Hudson will hope to go one better this year as she would hope to win the singles title.
Best wishes are extended to all Kerry players. The competitions commence at 10 am and are to be hosted by the Cork Association.
BALLYHEIGUE TOURNAMENTS
One thing is certain about the Munster events in Killarney on Sunday next, there will be no Kerry division 3,4 or 5 players in attendance as all of these players will be winging their way to the seaside resort of Ballyheigue where the local club will be hosting their annual tournaments for all division 3,4 and 5 players.
Division 5 will take court at 12 noon; division 4 at 2.30 pm and division 3 at 5 pm. There will be a plate competition for both the Division 4 and 5 events. Entry forms are now with club secretaries.
County Quiz
Looking for an enjoyable night out? Why not attend the County Badminton Association’s table quiz which will take place in O’Donnell’s Bar Tralee on Friday night February 12th. at 8.30 pm. Table of 4 is €40 with hosts of prizes to be won and finger food will be provided.
