Laois badminton teams show grit to achieve glory at Leinster Championships

Laois badminton teams show grit to achieve glory at Leinster Championships THERE was plenty of pride for Laois badminton on Sunday 22 March when two county teams travelled to Baldoyle Badminton Centre to compete in the prestigious Leinster Badminton Championships. Both teams delivered strong performances, with one falling just short of the final and the other claiming provincial glory.

The Grade 6 team faced a tough semi-final clash against County Meath. In a closely contested encounter, Laois battled hard across all matches but ultimately came up short, losing 5–3.

Despite the result, the team showed great determination and skill throughout, reflecting the steady progress of badminton in the county.

Meanwhile, the Grade 4 team enjoyed a remarkable day, showcasing both consistency and quality on their way to Leinster success.

They began their campaign with impressive victories over County Kildare, County Dublin and County Kilkenny in the preliminary rounds, setting the tone for what would become a standout performance.

In the semi-final, Laois faced County Louth and produced a confident display to secure a 5–2 win.

Carrying that momentum into the final, they took on County Westmeath and delivered an outstanding performance, winning 5–1 to be crowned Leinster champions.

This victory marks a significant achievement for the Grade 4 squad, who will now go on to represent Laois - and their clubs, Mountrath and Portlaoise - on the national stage. They are set to compete in the All-Ireland final on Sunday 17 May at University of Galway, where they will aim to continue their impressive run.

This latest triumph marks an impressive milestone for Laois badminton, as it is the fourth consecutive year the county has claimed a Leinster title across the grades. Following a Grade 6 win in 2023, then back-to-back Grade 5 successes in 2024 and 2025, and now the Grade 4 title in 2026.

Laois teams have also made their mark nationally in recent years. The county secured All-Ireland success at Grade 6 in 2023 and Grade 5 in 2024, while the Grade 5 side narrowly missed out in 2025, finishing as runners-up after another strong campaign.

The success of both teams highlights the growing strength of badminton in Laois, with dedicated players and clubs continuing to make their mark at provincial level and beyond.