Cork's LGBTQIA+ racketeers welcome players and friends to invitational

Cork’s only LGBTQIA+ badminton club, Cork Racketeers, last weekend welcomed LGBTQIA+ players and allies for their 2026 Invitational.

This is the group’s fifth annual tournament timed to coincide with the start of Cork’s Pride festivities.

Cork Community Pride 2026 takes place on August 1 and 2, featuring community events, a march, and a family picnic.

This year’s tournament featured 66 players from Cork Racketeers and the Flaming Feathers (Dublin’s LGBTQIA+ badminton club).

They competed in doubles matches across three divisions — contenders for entry-level players; challengers for intermediate players, and champions for more advanced players.

Each division began with a series of round-robin group games followed by knockouts, with representatives from each club reaching the podium at the end of the day.

A Cork Racketeers spokesperson said: “This was the club’s biggest tournament to date, showcasing the continued growth of inclusive badminton in Ireland.

“The standard of badminton was exceptionally high throughout the day, with many closely contested matches and a fantastic atmosphere both on and off the courts.

“Players of all experience levels had the opportunity to compete, make new friends and enjoy the after-party later that night.”

Incredibly proud 

Club chairperson Arnold Maniaul, speaking after the tournament, said: “We’re incredibly proud of how the day went.

“The badminton games were fantastic, but what stood out most was the fun and inclusive atmosphere.

“Cork Racketeers’ mission is to bring together LGBTQIA+ community members and allies that are interested in the sport of badminton and that’s exactly what Saturday achieved.

“We’re always delighted to welcome our peers from Flaming Feathers and to engage in a little bit of friendly competition. It’s what we’re all about.

“We’d like to thank everyone who played, volunteered and supported the event.”

The club gave a special thanks to their sponsors, TransUnion, a long-time supporter of the summer tournament.

Founded in 2022, Cork Racketeers provides a space for LGBTQIA+ people and allies to enjoy badminton regardless of ability.

The club hosts sessions twice a week, with members ranging from complete beginners to players in the Cork county league.

Anyone interested in joining Cork Racketeers is encouraged to get in touch through the club’s social media channels.

New members are always welcome, and no previous badminton experience is required to join.