KBC SWL Cup Champions.

A bit of a mix ending to March for Kilcullen Badminton Club with the club competing in two South West League Cup Finals and two Dublin District Quarter Finals with one still left to play, writes Match Secretary Enda O'Neill. We will start with the Dublin Leagues as I always like to end on a high!

Myself and the Division 4 Men travelled to Whitehall Road on Thursday 28th March to face another Kildare team, Rathmore in their QF clash. This time we were without the dependable Barry O’Neill, Barry out for the rest of the season due to an injury, but in stepped Mick Cass for the occasion. Sadly it wasn’t to be the Kilcullen mens night and even though they didn’t get near to the form that was displayed in the group stages they still were only defeated by a mere set. It’s the end of the road for this team this season but as captain I would like to thank John Mullen, Barry Shochan Andrews, John McGrane and Mick for the great effort and commitment they showed this season. I would also like to thank Jen, David Jackson and John for travelling up to support.

Orla Brophy and her ladies travelled to Badminton HQ, Baldoyle Badminton Centre, on Wednesday 29 March to play St Raphaels in their QF encounter. Our “Ragettes” showed some great form in the later stages of the group games to ensure themselves a spot in the Quarters, with two fantastic 3-1 victories. It wasn’t to be the girls night on this occasion and they suffered a 3-0 defeat to their counterparts. It has been a great season all the same for Orla, Maeve Valroy, Teresa McGlynn and Lynda Murtagh exiting the group stages and finishing runners up in the DDL Cup.

All is not lost in the Dublin District League as Jen Monaghan and the Div 5 Mix are still flying the flag for Kilcullen. Jen’s team play their Quarter Final on Tuesday 02nd April against Rathfarnham Parish. KBC would like to wish Jen, Chelsey (aka Mussy Buckley) Cox, Vincent Coller and John Mullen the best of luck in this important match.

Kilcullen competed in two South West Cup Finals at the end of March and I’m happy to report with great success, firstly Murt Dunne and the Grade 2 Mix (top pic) faced their nemesis Baltinglass. Baltinglass were hoping to reverse the League Final result and beat their Kilcullen counterparts. First out were our first ladies Sinead Kelly and Claire Faherty who settled the teams nerves taking their game 2-1. Murt and Gareth Hogan were next out and trounced the Baltinglass first men. Rachel Cass and Tara O’Neill kept the winning streak going with a 2-1 victory over the Baltinglass (and ex Kilcullen pair) of Norrie Gilchrist and Aine Moody. David Jackson and Mick Cass kept the pressure on Baltinglass when they took their game 2-0 and left it up to KBC’s first Mix to finish the job. Claire and Gareth didn’t disappoint in a tough game eventually taking it 2-1, giving KBC an impressive 5-0 win, bringing the cup back Liffey side and getting everyone home at a respectable time. A massive congratulations to Murt and his team with a special well done to Clare on her first season with Kilcullen.

Olivier P Valroy wasn’t going top be upstaged by the Grade 2 team though. He ventured to Athy to face his Grade 6 Final opponents Carlow LTC. Olivier's team got off to a slow start with the first ladies losing in three sets. The first men of Ram Hooda and Ross Cole got the team back on course with a great 2-set win. Second Ladies, second men and first mix continued the winning streak taking their games respectfully. It was now up to captain Olivier and Orla to seal the deal and seal it they did winning their game in two sets giving KBC an impressive 5-1 victory and taking a second trophy back to Kilcullen this season. Well done to Olivier and his team and a special well done to Lynda Murtagh and Aiden on winning a trophy in their debut season in the club.

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