07/03/2026
Dramatic Semi-Final Night Delivers Unforgettable Badminton
The final night of semi-finals in the mixed league produced an unforgettable evening of drama, tension, and outstanding badminton, with several ties decided by the narrowest of margins.
At Coláiste Calvin in Longwood, the Grade 5 and Grade 7 teams took to the courts and delivered some of the most competitive badminton the venue has seen in years.
The opening Grade 5 semi-final between Athboy/Kells and Mullagh had everything. Mullagh struck first, taking the opening match in three hard-fought games. Athboy/Kells responded immediately, digging deep to claim the second match—also in three games—to leave the tie perfectly poised. Mullagh then stepped up once more, winning the third match in straight games to move ahead 5–3 in games and pile the pressure on Athboy/Kells.
With everything on the line in the final match, Athboy/Kells needed a straight-games victory to keep their hopes alive. The tension was clear for all to see. Brendan Milligan unleashed powerful smashes from the back court while Valerie Harmon showed nerves of steel at the net, calmly finishing any loose shuttles. They delivered exactly what their team needed, winning in two games to level the tie completely—two matches each, five games each. Incredibly, the result came down to total points, where Athboy/Kells edged Mullagh by just four points, 180–176, sealing a dramatic place in the final.
If that match set the tone for the evening, the second Grade 5 semi-final between Kildalkey and Skryne A matched it every step of the way. Skryne’s men got off to a flying start with a convincing straight-games win. Kildalkey’s women, both champions in their respective counties, responded with authority to level the tie.
The mixed doubles then swung momentum back to Skryne, who dominated the opening game 21–7 before closing out the match in two games. With the tie slipping away, Kildalkey needed a huge performance in the final match. Young Michael Daly’s athleticism combined perfectly with the experience and craft of Emma Vaughan as they powered through the first game 21–6 and followed it with a convincing 21–14 victory. Once again the tie finished level—two matches each, four games each—and once again it went to the calculators. By the slimmest of margins, Kildalkey advanced 130–126, setting up a final showdown with Athboy/Kells.
Over on the Grade 7 courts, the drama continued. WSBC (Wilkinstown/Simonstown) opened strongly by taking the men’s doubles in straight games, but Skryne A responded with a dominant women’s doubles win to level the tie. Skryne then seized control in the first mixed doubles, winning convincingly 21–8 and 21–13.
With the score at 2–1, everything rested on the final mixed match. WSBC showed tremendous composure under pressure, winning in straight games to level the tie once again. As had become the theme of the night, the result came down to points, and Skryne’s emphatic 21–8 game earlier in the tie proved decisive as they progressed to the final 146–128.
The final Grade 7 semi-final saw Oldcastle take on Trim, and this contest proved more one-sided. Oldcastle were in dominant form from the outset, winning three matches and dropping just two games to book their place in next week’s final with plenty left in the tank.
Meanwhile, over in Kildalkey, the Grade 3 semi-finals also produced strong performances. Skryne were in commanding form against Navan , winning all three matches while dropping just a single game. On the neighbouring court, Ardee were equally impressive as they defeated Boyne 3–1 in matches, sealing a convincing victory. The Grade 3 final is now set, with Ardee facing Skryne.
With thrilling rallies, dramatic finishes, and multiple ties decided by just a handful of points, it was a night that showcased the very best of league badminton.
A huge thank you goes to all the supporters who came along to watch and to the committee members who helped run a fantastic evening of sport.
Below is the final line up for our Finals next week ..
