Donegal take home Jack Wilson Cup once again

Donegal’s young badminton players had a successful outing in Derry on Saturday, winning the Division 1 and Division 2 U-17 titles.

The Donegal squad, under William Love, although missing some squad members, fielded a strond side to defend their title.

The Donegal A Ladies were led by Aimee Moore (Hillhead) supported by team captain Nicola McKinley (Greenbank), unbeaten in ladies doubles, with Shannon Russell (Three Rivers) and Lisa McKinley (Dunfanaghy), contributing to singles and mixed doubles.

Raphoe boys made up the rest of the team. An in-form Ryan Macbeth dominated singles and first mixed doubles with his partner Aimee Moore. Meanwhile Aaron McCauley and Josh McMullan were unbeaten in mens doubles and mixed doubles with their partners Nicola McKinley, Lisa McKinley and Shannon Russell.

Donegal A, managed by Ian Macbeth, defeated Coleraine 6-1 en route to the final where they met old rivals Ulster League managed by Bob Colhoun.

Donegal League won the ladies but this was their only success with Donegal A comfortably won mens singles, ladies and mens doubles and all three mixed doubles to record a 6-1 winning margin.

Donegal A were winners of the Jack Wilson Cup for the fourth year in succession.

The Donegal B team, managed by William Love, were competing in the Bingy Morrison Division 2 U-17 competition and included - Stuart McKinley (Greenbank, captain), Andrew Lowry (Raphoe), Gareth Craig (Three Rivers), Ellen Patterson (Raphoe), Cody Anderson (Greenbank), Sinead Stewart (Dunfanaghy) and Rachael Woods (Newtown).

Donegal B defeated North Down in the semi-final and proved much too strong for Down (7-0) in the final.

Aaron McCauley was the Donegal player of the day in Division 1 while Sinead Stewart was the Donegal B player of the year.

The Donegal squad and management concluded the day with an excellent meal in Wendy’s, Garvagh and the Donegal Juvenile Branch extend thanks to all who helped.