With a lot of flights delayed in Dublin airport due to weather conditions, the scheduled 3.00pm afternoon match between Scotland and Wales was delayed. The Welsh team eventually arrived and immediately took on the Scots. At 2-2 this match was abandoned as the last match of the evening still had to be played. Ireland took on the Welsh, in the final match, and the opening singles games were between Irelands Andrew Shannon and the captain of the Welsh side Rag Popat, also Irelands Catherine Coyle took on the Welsh 18 year old Caroline Harvey. These opening games went right down to the wire but Wales stole the lead 2-0.

Dubliner Ronan McGee and Lisburn’s 15 year old Sinead Chambers were next on court, for their individual singles matches against Mathew Phillips (Wales) and Carissa Turner. Ronan kept Ireland in the match with a thrilling win 21-8,21-17, but Sinead was not as lucky, she narrowly lost the 1st set 24-22 and then was clipped at the post for the 2nd 21-17. Next on court was the Magee Brothers from Raphoe, they took on Nic Strange and Michael Lewis. The Magee’s were slow to start and lost the opener 20-22, but then they got into their stride and won the next 2 sets 21-17,21-11. With the match 3-2 to Wales, Lisburns Dona Scott and Dubliner Lucie Corcoran went all the way in their ladies doubles match against Carisa Turner and Rachel Thomas, but although it went to 3 very close sets the Irish pair lost the game and Ireland lost the match 4-2.

“Curam Software” who sponsored the event were thanked by Badminton Ireland’s President Craig Casey, who must also be complimented as he traveled all the way from Cork on a evening were weather conditions were poor.

Also thanks to the Irish Coach and Manager Pat Marron and Michael Watt, who organized the event very professionally with “Curam’s” Ronan Rooney. Hopefully there will be many more U/23 Triangular for many years to come.

Many Thanks to the Leinster Branch for the use of Badminton Centre, Lucozade Sports, Catering Company, Filming Company, St Colmcille’s Primary School (Supporters) Martyn Evans and Yonex for the mats, Amanda Mullery, Ita Marron, Marian Rooney, Crona Rooney, Feargal, Kay, Stephen and Leinster Badminton press officer Brian Kelly for their work in the background.

All the 3 teams involved in the event traveled the next day down to Carlow Lawn Tennis Club to play in the “Shires Leinster Open” Best of Luck!!