Women will take the chair – and much more – at the Carlton Irish Future Badminton Series from October 10- 13 at  the Baldoyle Badminton Centre in Dublin.

Like last year, vastly experienced women officials will run the event (with a little help from the men), as part of Badminton Irelands Women in Sport programme funded by the Irish Sports Council.

Among them are the event referee Carmen Martinez Villanueva, who travels from Spain to take charge of the tournament. Siobhan Grehan is the match controller, while Carol Ui Fhearghal and Sandra Lindsay lead a team of  women female umpires. A squad of enthusiastic women officials, among them many club players, have volunteered to act as linespeople during the competition.

Jean Denihan, hall manager; Jane Auld driver of the player's bus, and Cheryl Evans Events Organiser all face a hectic few days. Keeping a watchful eye on them all will be Breda Connolly, President of Badminton Ireland, who will attend throughout the event.

Players from a record 23 countries have entered the tournament, making it the biggest yet – a huge challenge for the organisers and one they will relish.

Article by Cheryl Evans.