Badminton team shine

WICKLOW’S under-21 badminton team were making the headlines back in 1993 after they retained their Leinster League crown after tough battles against Dublin and Meath.

‘This four-member team beat Dublin by three games to two but then lost to Meath by two games to three. However, at the final countdown, all three teams ended up on five points but Wicklow had 13 sets against 12 each for the other two and consequently earned the title,’ read the report that week.

‘Two members of the team, David Byrne from Rathdrum and Marie Riordan from Dunlavin, were on the victorious side which won last year’s event. The two newcomers this year were Darren Gallagher from Glenmalure and Siobhan Grehan of Roundwood.

‘The team was presented with Duiske glass and trophies after the event by a representative of Irish Life, sponsors of the competition.

‘However, lady luck did not smile down on the veteran’s teams that travelled to the same Dublin venue on Sunday. Although they gave a good account of themselves, these sides failed to win a title.

‘The county was represented in class 1 by: Tommy and John McGrath, Barbara McGrath and Mary Miley, all from Rathdrum.

‘Class 2 (two teams): Liam O’Neill, John Byrne, Karen Keane and Ann Nolan, all from Newcastle; John Meredith, Glenealy, Noreen O’Reilly, Glenealy, Eric Newton, Newcastle, and Cecilia O’Neill, Greystones.

Class 3: Jackie Clarkin, Greystones, Cecilia Power, Greystones, Barry Aherne, Greystones and Niall Houston, Newcastle Hospital Club.

‘Co. Wicklow will host class four of the Leinster inter-county competitions on Sunday, February 14, in Roundwood sports complex. Trials for this event will take place in Roundwood on this Sunday, January 24, at 6.30pm,’ it read.