Moran Stuns Buckley in Marathon Thriller, Craig Goes Back-to-Back in Style and Knox Claims B Title as Top Seed.
The 2025 Irish Senior Nationals delivered a weekend of gripping action at Fitzwilliam LTC, with dramatic encounters, upsets, and dominant displays across all divisions. Conor Moran stole the show in the Men’s A final, while Hannah Craig successfully defended her title in commanding fashion. Meanwhile, Brian Knox lived up to expectations in the Men’s B, cementing his status as the top seed.
Men’s A Final: Moran Stuns Buckley in Marathon Thriller: In what will be remembered as one of the most dramatic finals in recent history, Conor Moran triumphed over top seed and defending champion Sam Buckley in a five-game epic. Buckley looked set to retain his title after taking the first two games convincingly (11-8, 11-4), but Moran refused to back down. The Dublin native clawed his way back into contention with a tight 14-12 third-game win before dominating the fourth (11-3). The decider was an absolute nail-biter, with Moran holding his nerve in extra points to clinch the title 17-15, dethroning Buckley and claiming his place at the top of Irish squash. Fifth seed Sean Conroy took the final podium place, pipping Michael Creaven in another full-distance thriller.
Women’s A Final: Craig Goes Back-to-Back with Straight-Game Victory: Hannah Craig proved once again why she is the dominant force in Irish women’s squash, securing her second consecutive national title with a straight-game victory over Breanne Flynn. The Ulster star showcased her clinical finishing and composure in key moments, edging a competitive first game 13-11 before pulling away in the next two (11-7, 11-6). Craig’s back-to-back triumphs further solidify her reputation as the premier female player in the country, with Flynn once again finishing runner-up to her international teammate despite a spirited performance and dominate run to the final. Craig was joined on the podium by her fellow Ulster star, as Hannah McGugan dispatched Aimee McConnell in straight games to take third place.
Men’s B Final: Knox Claims Title as Top Seed The Men’s B division also saw its fair share of high-quality action, with top-seeded Brian Knox emerging victorious over fellow Waterford player Adam Power. In a match that remained tight throughout, Knox proved too steady, taking the final in straight games (11-9, 11-5, 11-9).
A Weekend to Remember – The 2025 Irish Senior Nationals once again delivered an unforgettable weekend of squash, with new champions crowned and old champions reaffirming their dominance. Moran’s resilience in his stunning comeback, Craig’s continued supremacy, and Knox’s composed run in the Men’s B ensured that fans were treated to high-stakes action from start to finish. As the dust settles, anticipation already begins for next year’s edition, where returning stars and rising talents will look to write the next chapter in Irish squash folklore.
