Ireland lost to Portugal 2-3 in their final match of the European Badminton Championship team competition in Bulgaria yesterday to finish in 16th and last position.

Already relegated to Helvetia Cup status, Ireland fought hard for pride alone but lost out in a competition that went all the way to a tie break finish in a three-game women's doubles.

But Ireland's dismal record in Bulgaria had already prompted doubles man, Michael O'Meara, to say that changes are needed at the top in the Irish game.

The national set-up is too parochial, he believes, and out of gear with international needs.

"It's time for them to wake up and smell the coffee," he said of Irish officialdom, "or say bye-bye".

O'Meara himself went on to record a second men's doubles win with Donal O'Halloran.

It went to a three game tie break with the Irish coming from behind in the decider to level 13-13 and win 15-11 14-17 18-16 .

Sonja McGinn was Ireland's other winner, recovering from one game and 4-9 down to win 1-11 12-10 11-9.