DEAF SPORTS Badminton deaflympics

Ireland did really well battling with their fellow European competitors in the group, Austria. Ireland had a fantastic 3 matches to 2 matches win. Austria had to concede two matches due to an injury to one of their ladies.

In the men's singles John Kelly played well but just lost out to Austrian player Robert Gravogl at 21-18, 21-17.

Austria, one of the top Ladies singles player Katrin Neudolt and Laura Burns played. Neudolt proved too strong for the nervous Burns winning 2 sets to love. Asking Neudolt on Laura's game, she says "a great player with great potential, so young but has a future if she keeps up in Badminton"

"Austrian player thrashed me but I am happy I got to play with a top player" says Laura

In the deciding men's doubles match both Irish men played superbly with some lovely rallies a mixture of attack and drop shots, which helped them claim in the 2nd/3rd set. This put the Austrians under pressure in the final set. Lawlor, a calmer player began to take control with some neat and clever shots in fighting hard to complete the match.

The score was 17-21, 21-15, 21-18. Both players have been involved in many international tournaments and the 17th Deaflympics Badminton.

Delighted Kelly says "I'm delighted we came 3rd in the group beating our European country, I am proud of how my team played in the team events"

"The fans encouraged me to do well and gave me confidence to do Ireland proud"- Jim Lawlor

"I am delighted for the team to finish 3rd in the group because the worked so hard in training up to the Deaflympics" says Mark Topping, Ireland Coach