Win over Austria puts Ireland into Euro finals

While the soccer team’s win in Vienna dominated the headlines, they weren’t the only ones to put one over on Austria, as Ireland won 3-2 in Dublin to qualify for next year’s European Mixed Team Badminton Championship finals.

Thus, Badminton Ireland’s CEO Ronan Rooney can look forward to Lubin, Poland, where they will be tested by powerhouse sides, such as Denmark and Germany.

“Playing against the best sides is going to be a challenge, but I would be shocked if Ireland don’t make it to the quarter-finals.” said Rooney.

The team’s anchor Scott Evans got the quintet off to a flying start, as he saw off Luka Wraber, but losses followed for Chloe Magee and her brothers Joshua and Sam.

Rachael Darragh and Sinead Chambers got Ireland back on level terms in the women’s doubles and Sam and Chloe Magee sealed the deal in the final game, as they blew away Roman Zimwald and Elisabeth Baldauf in a polished performance.

Rooney said: “We’re not just potential talent, we’re proven talent. That showed when we tore Austria apart in the last game.”

This team were impressive all weekend, with a 5-0 whitewash of Norway and 4-1 win over Hungary laying the foundations, as Evans and Co topped Group 3.

The finals will take place next February 15-19.