North Cork town’s new badminton club is thriving

Charleville CBS Primary teacher Sinéad Herlihy is the driving force behind the club and she told The Corkman that, having played badminton in Limerick for years, she saw that there was room for a club in the ever growing town, especially when a facility like St Mary’s Hall was available for use.

Sinéad, who is a qualified badminton coach, also thought that a club could be used as a vehicle to promote inclusion in Charleville, as boys and girls can play it together and many of those who come to the town from other countries are familiar with the sport.

Since the club was established, with the help of Badminton Ireland, the teacher said it has attracted a diverse membership.

“A lot of children do really enjoy the badminton and some of them don’t always play other sport,” Sinéad explained.

“We have a very active and supportive committee made up of parents. Many of our members have siblings who are also joined and it is great,” she said.

At just €2 a session, there is not a huge cost to playing with the club either and Sinéad said the fact that badminton is “cheap, cheerful, regular and available” appeals to a lot of people.

The teacher said that there is such demand for juvenile badminton in the north Cork town and surrounding regions at the moment that she could hold double the badminton sessions that are currently run.

With the club predicted to continue growing and plans in place to hold adult sessions, the club will apply for Cork County Council funding next year to upgrade its playing facilities and equipment.

Vital volunteers like Clifford Torrecampo, who has recently has completed Badminton Ireland’s 'Shuttle Time' coaching course, are also very welcome according to Sinéad, who said the club is actively seeking local sponsorship for its gear too.

Those interested in finding out more about the badminton club can contact rathluircbc@gmail.com.