FZ Forza Irish Nationals 2022

The FZ Forza Irish Nationals took place at the National Indoor Arena, Dublin with Ulster's Josh Magee taking home the Men's Doubles & Mixed Doubles Title. Raphoe's Rachael Darragh also had a great tournament retaining her Women's Singles title. 

Women's Singles

Seed 1 for the event Rachael Darragh had a smooth passage into the final with wins over Neasa Flynn & Orla Flynn in the earlier rounds & semi final. In the final she faced the young Dublin player Sophia Noble. Sophia was in excellent form in the earlier rounds defeating Ireland capped Sara Boyle in 3 sets before knocking out the No.2 seed Kate Frost 21-19, 21-16 in the Semi Final. Rachael started strong in the final taking to opening set 21-13, before Sophia came fast of of the block at the beginning of the 2nd set and went on to take it 21-13. Into the final set and both players looked to put their authority on the set & it was the 2018 NI Commonwealth Games player, Rachael who played a very composed & patient game style to take it comfortably 21-5 & retain her National singles title.

Men's Doubles

Joshua Magee & International Partner Paul Reynolds showed why they have recently moved into the top 60 in the world rankings with a dominant display in the Men's Doubles.  After a bye in the first round the pair faced the Connacht pair of David Walsh & Adam McAllister, with Joah & Paul winning 21-17, 21-15. Their Semi Final opponents were Brian O'Mahony & Daniel O'Meara  with the Top seeds coming through 21-15, 21-14. In the final they faced the 2nd seeds of Bennett & Laureta but the World Ranked 59 pair proved to strong taking it 21-13, 21-10 an claim their third National Title in a row. 

Ulster Senior team player Tony Murphy & Emerging Performance squad player Stuart McCollum had a great run to the Semi Final but lost out in 3 tight sets 21-12, 19-21,18-21. 

Mixed Doubles

Joshua Magee claimed his 2nd title of the day in the mixed Doubles partnering Moya Ryan. The Raphoe man & BI Academy Ryan were unseeded for the event but progressed to the final with wins over Magee/King & top seeds O'Meara/Flynn in the quarter finals & semi finals respectfully. In the final they played the 2nd Seeds of Bennett/Au but the Joshua & Moya kept their high level from the previous rounds and took the title 21-10, 21-7. A first mixed title for the Raphoe Badminton Club player. 

Womens Doubles

Ballyclare's Laura Comer & partner Sophia Noble had a good win in the Quarter finals against the Flynn sisters but came up against tough opponents in the Semi Final of Orla Flynn & Jennie King. The 2nd seeds proved too strong winning 21-10, 21-13 , with FLynn & King going on to claim the title.

Men's Singles

Jonathan Dolan had excellent form throughout the competition with a very comfortable progression to the final. He faced the U19 player Scott Guildea but Jonathan's level was to good on the day winning 21-12, 21-12. A first Senior National Men's Singles Title for Dolan.

All final results can be seen below or full results click here 

Men's Singles - Jonathan Dolan bt. Scott Guildea - 21-12, 21-12

Women's Singles - Rachael Darragh bt. Sophia Noble - 21-13, 13-21, 21-5

Men's Doubles - Paul Reynolds / Joshua Magee bt. Declan Bennett / Sean Patrick Laureta - 21-13, 21-10

Women's Doubles - Jennie King / Orla Flynn bt. Kate Frost / Moya Ryan - 21-17, 18-21, 21-17

Mixed Doubles - Joshua Magee / Moya Ryan bt. Declan Bennett / Lauren Au - 21-10, 21-7