FOR the first time ever, an Irish veteran badminton team is in Spain this week, competing in the European Seniors Championships.

In all, 27 players in six age categories -- aged from over 40 to over 65 -- are playing, and hopes are high that the team will come home with at least one medal, despite intense competition from over 500 players from 23 nations.

"Veteran badminton is relatively new in Ireland," said team manager Conor Doyle. "It all started about five years ago when a team of about 16 in various age groups travelled to a triangular international competition in Scotland. We realised that we could be doing more to promote veteran badminton at home."

The result was an increased number of competitions aimed at veteran players, and veteran leagues in both Dublin and elsewhere.

Doyle added: "It has given good former inter-county and club players a whole new outlet. We have also established an excellent relationship with clubs and players in the North, which was something that wouldn't have happened before."

The result was a weekly training session in Belfast in preparation for the Europeans.

opportunity

"Clubs like Raheny, Aer Lingus and Mount Pleasant all have thriving veteran sections. These are players who thought that their chances of playing for Ireland had long gone and they are jumping at the opportunity."

One particularly enthusiastic club is Clogher Valley, in Omagh. "We reckon we have increased the participation of veteran badminton players by up to 40pc," said Doyle.

And he is 'gobsmacked' that so many people are interested and taking it so seriously.

"In the older age groups, a player like Imelda Carroll has been training three nights a week and getting individual coaching from international player Karen Bing. She's loving it," said Doyle.

Former international players such as Mark Topping, Pat Marron, Sian Williams and Pam Peard bring a wealth of experience to the side.

Among those making the team for Spain are Badminton Union of Ireland president Craig Casey.

Ireland has never won a medal at European level, with Scott Evans coming closest when he reached the European Championships quarter-finals last season.

"I think we have a very good chance. If we picked up even a bronze that would be fantastic, since we're new to this and not really seeded," Doyle added.

IRISH SENIORS BADMINTON SQUADS

WOMEN: Sian Williams, Amanda Dunlop, Pam Peard, Imelda Carroll, Linda Maguire, Mary Mylie, Karen Ballantine, Brenda Loth, Dympna Sheridan, Barbara McGrath, Dorothy McCullough, Sharon Beckett, Liz Gault, Heather Harron, Breda Connolly.

MEN: Mark Topping, Pat Marron, Craig Casey, Kevin McGrath, Tom McGrath, Matt Tobin, Michael Turkington, Stephen Waddell, Tony Clarke, Conor Doyle, Leslie Funston, Adrian Alley.