Kilkenny success on the badminton court

Kilkenny added another chapter to its sporting history when it became the first county to host a primary schools badminton qualifier.

Primary schools badminton has grown substantially in Leinster over the past three years with the provincial finals being held in Baldoyle every year.

The Kilkenny event, which was held in the Watershed, as a qualifier event for the Leinster finals. Seventy pupils attended the qualifier, representing six schools from around Kilkenny - Scoil Mhuire, Mooncoin; St Patrick’s De La Salle boys’ national school; Windgap national school; Scoil Bhride, Paulstown; Scoil Phadraig, Ballyhale and St John’s senior school.

The competition saw 16 teams from the six schools split into four groups - two boys and two girls - with a series of round robin events. The top four schools from each group progressed to the semi-final stage.

At the semi-final stage in the boys’ division Scoil Mhuire Mooncoin, Scoil Phadraig Ballyhale, Scoil Bhride Paulstown and St John’s were the final four. Strong showings from Mooncoin and Ballyhale set up an interesting final, with Scoil Mhuire Mooncoin creating history by becoming the very first primary school county champions.

The girls’ division was fiercely contested with Windgap NS, Scoil Mhuire Mooncoin, Scoil Phadraig, Ballyhale and Scoil Bhride Paulstown making up the last four.

Windgap NS looked like the strong favourites from the outset having had plenty of experience competing in both the Leinster and All-Ireland series over the past two years.

A thrilling final between Windgap and Mooncoin ensued, with Windgap emerging winners, becoming the first girls’ county champions.

The experience that all six schools will have gained from this initiative will be invaluable - no doubt instilled a hunger to train harder and prepare for next year.

As for Scoil Mhuire, Scoil Phadraig and Windgap, the journey doesn’t stop here; they have all qualified to represent Kilkenny in the Leinster finals, which will take place on Thursday, January 30. They will be hoping for more big performances to try and win the coveted Leinster title. The three schools will fancy their chances in Leinster, having gained invaluable experience this early in the year.