Badminton Ireland is proud to announce its forthcoming 125th anniversary celebration, commemorating the historic first meeting of the organization held on November 25, 1899, at No. 4 Foster Place, Dublin. This milestone will allow us to honour over a century of dedication, community, and athletic achievement in Irish badminton.
Founded in 1899, Badminton Ireland is a cornerstone of the sport’s global history, with a legacy that includes being a founding member of the Badminton World Federation and Badminton Europe and hosting the first-ever international badminton match against England in 1903. Today, with over 400 clubs and 15,000 members across the Island of Ireland, Badminton Ireland continues to drive growth and participation in the sport.
Between now and May 2025, Badminton Ireland will focus on recognising how we can all play a role in enhancing our legacy for this great sport by celebrating our clubs, our players, and the wider badminton community. The anniversary will be marked by a series of special announcements and club support initiatives designed to showcase and support the growth and impact of badminton in Ireland since 1899.
One of the highlights of our celebration will be the launch of the Badminton Ireland Collection in partnership with the National Library of Ireland. This collection will preserve and showcase the rich history of badminton in Ireland, offering the public a rare look at significant moments, players, and events from our storied past. We will invite everyone to join us in sharing their personal collections, helping to protect and document our history and ensure that the achievements and stories of Irish badminton continue to inspire future generations.
As part of our 125th anniversary activities, we’ll also be diving into the archives to bring you fascinating insights into the early days of the Badminton Union of Ireland and sharing how the sport has developed since those foundational moments.
Join us in celebrating 125 years of Badminton Ireland. Together, we honour our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to a bright future for Irish badminton.