Young Dunboyne badminton player wins prestigious sportsmanship award
A young Dunboyne badminton player has won a prestigious prize for his attitude and outlook in his chosen sport.
Euan Bell from Dunboyne Badminton Club was recently presented with the Dick O'Rafferty Sportsmanship Award at the final of the Badminton Premier League which was held at the Terenure Badminton Centre.
The Dick O'Rafferty Award is named after a man who gave tremendous service to badminton. He was involved with the Pembroke club in Dublin - and an indication of his commitment to the club, and his sport, could be seen in the way he named his house 'Pembroke.'
One of Dick’s greatest contributions to badminton was as Curator and a Trustee of Badminton Museum Ireland (BMI), which he established with others from 2008 onwards.
"Such badminton records as existed were scattered across the country and he devoted enormous enthusiasm and energy to sourcing and assembling artefacts, trophies, publications, photographs and records. After endless perseverance and discussion, a home was finally found for the BMI in Baldoyle Badminton Centre and opened in 2018," reads an appreciation of Dick O'Rafferty on the Leinster Badminton website.
The award in his name is presented to players in their last year as juveniles in Leinster and are about to take the step up to the senior grade.
As a juvenile player Euan, who is 17, has displayed a tremendous commitment and dedication to his sport, an example to other young players looking to be the best they can be. He has been playing badminton since he was 10.
He trains three, four days a week and is said to be constantly looking for ways to get to the next level. He is a member of Dunboyne Badminton Club and has savoured many victories on teams representing the club.
Euan, who is a student at St Pater's College in Dunboyne, plays on Meath juvenile county teams and with his county colleagues he has enjoyed a very successful season, racking up a number of notable triumphs.
Yet it's not all about him either. Whenever he can he helps out younger players in the club who may need a little guidance.
He also puts himself forward as a line judge in competitions including the Irish Open.
His helping attitude to his colleagues and coaches has been described as "exceptional" and earned him rich praise.