They will also recall it as the year they captured a host of other titles.

While based in Athy the club plays their games in the Laois Badminton League and it was in the

O’Moore county that their push for All-Ireland glory began.

The club, which has only fifteen members, were in with Clonenagh, St. Michael’s, Portarlington and Vicarstown in the Grade 5 league. Athy topped the league, ahead of Vicarstown, who they defeated 5-3 in one of the best finals in recent years.

Representing Laois in the Leinster championships they defeated Roundwood. Wicklow 5-0 to earn a tilt at Ballykelly, Wexford in the quarter-final. These they defeated 5-0 also for a place in the last four.

Rath, Offaly were their semi-final opponents and 5-2 victory secured them a place in the final against Glenealy, Wicklow. This thcy also won but on the narrowest of margins. 4-3.

It was off to Salthill. Galway for the May bank holiday weekend where the All-Ireland finals were to be played. The finals were played on a round-robin basis with Ballinakill, Galway and Skibereen, Cork providing the opposition.

Athy won their two games, 5-2 and 4-3 respectively and were crowned All-Ireland champions. This was an auspicious occasion as this is the centenary year of the Badminton Union of Ireland.

The team comprised of James Kilbride (captain). Frank Boyce. Brendan Sourke, Tony Campbell, Liz O’Rourke, Mary Campbell, Jessica Lennon and Mary Doogue. Their substitutes were Pat Roche and Catherine McHugh.

The captain said it was a great honour to capturc an All-Ireland title and would not have been possible without the help of a lot of people. In particular he thanked Athy RFC who allowed them the use of their facilities and who sponsored the All-Ireland final outfits.

There was further honor for James last weekend when he was named the Badminton Person of the Year at the Athy RFC awards night.