Munster Express Online

Badminton as a sport is a beautiful game and is a great form of exercise. It can be played at any age. Just ask Paddy Murphy who celebrated his eightieth birthday recently.

Paddy joined the Dunmore Badminton Club almost 50 years ago when it was located in the Fisherman’s Hall in Dunmore East. The club moved into Waterford in 1963 where it was housed in a number of venues over the years including Central Hall, Military Barracks and the Ursuline Convent. Eventually the club bought the Brasscock/St. Thomas’s Church in Ballinakill in the early 1980’s.

Over the years Paddy played on teams in many different divisions and would you believe it, he subbed three times for the Men’s Division 6 team during the 2009/2010 season and they finished up league winners. He often beats players less than one third of his age. He is a very active member of the club. He was the Chairperson in 19975/1976. He introduced most of the new members of the club to badminton and often gives them tips on how to play the game. Paddy regularly attends the Tuesday Club Mornings and Wednesday and Saturday Club nights.

On Wednesday, 24th February the Dunmore Badminton Club Social Committee organised a surprise 80th Birthday Party for Paddy at the clubhouse. Paddy was joined by many club members both past and present to mark the occasion.

Michael McGrath, current President of Waterford County Badminton Association, sent Paddy a special message by email to wish him well on the occasion of his 80th birthday and to commend him on his contribution to badminton over the years.

Paddy’s nephew Michael Kennedy, current Chairperson of both Dunmore Badminton Club and Waterford County Badminton Association, also wished Paddy a happy birthday and thanked him for his long contribution to the club. Badminton is the fastest racket sport in the world but as demonstrated by Paddy, it can be played at any age. He intends to continue playing badminton both competitively and socially for a long time to come.

Anyone of any age wishing to join Dunmore Badminton Club can call to the club building on the Dunmore Road any Wednesday night after 7.30. As well as a great form exercise the club provides an active social life for its members. Table quizzes, book sales, fun tournaments, American Pool nights, Christmas parties and a tag rugby team are just some of the activities that have been organised by the club recently.