With immense sadness, we wish to share the news that David Ryan, son of Eoin and Suzanne, brother of Stephanie, passed away on 26 October 2024.
The Board of Squash Ireland and the wider squash community extend deepest condolences to all his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. In particular, we are mindful of the squash community in Sutton who will feel this loss acutely.
David will be remembered as a talented squash player, always courteous and good humoured, both on and off court. He captained the Under 19 Irish squash team and won several European Squash Junior Circuit titles.
Whilst on squash scholarship in Harvard, he captained the Harvard Men’s Varsity team and his pinnacle achievement was winning the 2018 College Squash Association National Individual Championship as an unseeded player.
He also enjoyed coaching juniors on a voluntary basis in Sutton, under the mentorship of his father, Eoin.
A Service to celebrate David’s life will take place in Dardistown Crematorium Chapel on Saturday at 1.30pm. More information can be found on rip.ie .
Taken too young, David RIP.
Arthur Gaskin has been appointed as Squash Ireland’s Head Coach. The appointment follows the recent publication of Squash Ireland’s High Performance Strategy, which outlines targets for the LA 2028 Olympic cycle.
Gaskin is an eight-time Irish National Champion and a four-time winner on the PSA World Tour. He competed on the PSA World Tour for 14 years and represented Ireland at multiple European and World Championships, amassing 106 caps. Gaskin was Ireland’s number one player for a 10-year period from 2009 to 2019.
An experienced coach, Gaskin has worked with some of the top junior players in the world, including multiple U.S. national champions, a U.S. Junior Open Champion, and a British Junior Open top-5 finisher. At the senior level, Gaskin coached a top female player who rose from 48th to 20th in the PSA World Rankings over a six-month period.
Gaskin has also served as the Director of Squash at PVD Squash, where he leads a team of coaches focused on growing and developing the junior programme. Additionally, he is the Head Coach at Brown University, where he coached the women’s team to a U.S. National Title in 2023 and the men’s team to back-to-back National Titles in 2023 and 2024.
Gaskin will take up the part-time role of Squash Ireland’s Head Coach on November 1st, leading the High Performance Unit to implement the recently published High Performance Strategy.
Squash Ireland CEO Scott Graham commented: “I am delighted that Arthur has accepted the Head Coach role with Squash Ireland. Arthur has exceptional experience as a player, competing on the PSA World Tour and at European and World Championships, and is a well-respected coach, having guided players into the top 20 in the world and developed talent from a young age. Arthur is clearly very passionate about the game and the high-performance structures within Ireland and will go above and beyond to ensure players have the support they need to reach their full potential.”
Arthur Gaskin commented: “I’m thrilled to accept the role of Head Coach for Squash Ireland and to work alongside Scott, the current coaches, and staff. I’m especially excited to help our top players reach their full potential, as I’m confident they can achieve the highest level with the right guidance and support. I am also looking forward to creating a pathway for our juniors to follow in their footsteps.”
The stage is set for what is expected to be an epic tournament!
The Irish Masters Open 2024 is kicking off tomorrow in Fitzwilliam LTC and Mount Pleasant LTC, in Dublin. 126 players from 12 countries will compete for the title in 12 categories ranging from O35/40+ to O75/80+.
Irish athletes are determined to claim the title at the Irish Masters Open 2024, following strong performances at the WSF World Masters earlier this year.
Full calendar and results can be found here.
Squash enthusiasts are welcome to the event venues to enjoy the action live. Matches will also be streamed live on our Youtube channel Squash Ireland TV.
Follow us on our social channels for updates, interviews and more.
Squash Ireland, formerly Irish Squash, has published the organisation’s first High- Performance Strategy for the period 2025–2028. The strategy is being released on the anniversary of squash’s formal inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympic programme by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Click here to view the Squash Ireland High Performance Strategy 2025 – 2028.
This strategy marks a significant shift in Squash Ireland’s approach to high-performance squash as the sport prepares for its debut in the Olympic Games. Its development was supported by extensive consultation and research, setting ambitious targets at the European, World, and Olympic levels.
A key objective for Squash Ireland is to qualify athletes for the LA 2028 Olympic Games and increase the number of players ranked in the world’s top 100, with a target of four. Securing substantial additional investment in the high-performance programme is essential for implementing the systems and structures necessary to achieve this strategy. Squash Ireland plans to launch a patrons programme and sponsorship strategy to support its high-performance goals and other objectives.
To kick-start the strategy, Squash Ireland is investing in world-class coaching by recruiting a high-performance Head Coach to provide player support and leadership for the high-performance programme.
Squash Ireland CEO Scott Graham said:
“Ireland has a proud history of competing at the highest levels in squash, reaching as high as number 3 in the world on the women’s side and number 7 on the men’s side. That success has instilled a belief among young players that they too can compete at the very highest level. With the inclusion of squash in the LA 2028 Olympic Games, we have a huge opportunity for young players to pursue a career in squash and strive to become Olympians. As a fast- growing and ambitious National Governing Body, we are committed to backing the players and putting the systems and structures in place to ensure long-term international success.”
“The development of this strategy has taken several months, and I want to thank everyone who contributed, particularly the members of the high-performance working group: Angus Kirkland (Chair), Arthur Gaskin, Derek Ryan, Gareth Brown, Eoin Ryan, and Ken Flynn.”
Sport Ireland’s Director of High Performance, Niamh O’Sullivan, commented:
“Squash Ireland has set clear and ambitious targets for its sport over the coming four years. Sport Ireland is encouraged by the National Governing Body’s plans to maximise the potential of its athletes, clubs and coaches. Our vision for international success by athletes and teams is that it is systemic and sustained; and critically, underpinned by high-functioning National Governing Bodies. I look forward to continuing to engage with Squash Ireland as their plans develop over the next cycle.”
As part of the collaboration, DYNAMIK will provide expert technical advice and comprehensive court maintenance services to Squash Ireland and it’s network of affiliated clubs. This support will ensure that squash courts throughout the island of Ireland are maintained to the highest standards, enhancing both performance and safety.
Squash Ireland is responsible for the promotion and development of squash at all levels. The sport has experienced rapid growth in recent times, with membership increasing by almost 20%, the number of affiliated clubs rising from 50 to 60, and several new squash courts and facilities planned for development.
Craig Jack, Managing Director of DYNAMIK, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating:
“As we branch further throughout Ireland, sharing our expertise and the work of our professionals, we are more than excited to collaborate with Squash Ireland to help to deliver optimum playing conditions for this fantastic sport. Providing aftercare and maintenance support will allow us to help maintain the condition, longevity and safety of your court so more people can get involved, play safely and grow with squash in Ireland.”
Scott Graham, Squash Ireland CEO, added:
“At Squash Ireland, we aim to provide real added value and support to our affiliated clubs, so I am pleased that we have developed a partnership with DYNAMIK that focuses on just that. DYNAMIK will offer expert technical advice and comprehensive court maintenance services to affiliated clubs and facility owners. Whether you’re planning to develop your squash facility or looking for cost-effective solutions to maintaining courts, Squash Ireland and DYNAMIK Sports Floors are here to help.”
Through this partnership, Squash Ireland will benefit from DYNAMIK’s extensive experience in delivering high-quality sports facilities, further enhancing the playing experience for squash enthusiasts across the country.
Ellie Hewitt
The successful candidate will coordinate and deliver a range of sports development and participation initiatives aligned with the cornerstones of the Sport NI ‘Power of Sport’ Plan, aimed at putting in place the structures and programmes required to increase squash participation in a sustainable manner.
The Club & Community Development Officer will report to the Squash Ireland CEO and work closely with the Strategic Development Officer for Northern Ireland to develop and action a work plan. It will be essential for the successful candidate to develop positive working relationships with the Ulster Squash Provincial Committee, local clubs, coaches, volunteers, and partners such as Sport Northern Ireland, local councils, and university sports development teams to promote inclusive and welcoming squash programmes and initiatives.
The position is initially offered on a fixed-term contract to 31 March 2025, with the possibility of an extension subject to successful delivery of the funded programme and continued receipt of Sport NI funding.
Key Responsibilities
Experience & Competencies
Further Information
The appointment will be made subject to satisfactory:
How to Apply?
Applications must be sent by email with the subject line: [ATTN: Club & Community Development Officer Northern Ireland]. When applying by email, please include a letter of introduction detailing your skills and experience relevant to the role and your Curriculum Vitae outlining your skills and work experience. Please send these materials no later than the 18th of October 2024, to Squash Ireland CEO Scott Graham at [email protected]. Interviews to take place on 21/22 October.
Squash Ireland is an equal opportunity employer, celebrating diversity and championing inclusivity. If you require any reasonable accommodations to assist you in participating in the employee selection process, please simply let us know.
Squash Ireland are asking you to ‘Step in’ to squash, with a new name and identity for the sport across the island of Ireland.
Formerly, Irish Squash, the national governing body has updated its name and will now be known as ‘Squash Ireland’. This changeover is currently taking place across all digital platforms, including a new mobile-optimized website, and will be rolled out across tournaments, participation programmes, and national squads in the coming weeks and months.
To coincide with this name change, we are very proud to reveal our new brand identity and our ‘Step in to squash’ brand manifesto.
The brand has been developed with renowned sports creative specialists, Branding Sport, to capture a more modern, energetic, youthful side of the sport. A series of newly developed participation programmes and coaching guides will be unveiled over the coming weeks and months, bringing the Squash Ireland brand to life and encouraging more young people to enjoy squash in fun, new ways.
Our players and volunteers were active participants in the brand development process and the ideas and inspiration for the new brand came directly from our community.
Squash Ireland President, Rosie Barry, believes the new identity marks the start of a period of great opportunity for squash on the island of Ireland, “It’s a very exciting time for us as we are already looking forward to squash’s inclusion at the LA 2028 Olympic Games. On top of that, our new brand is an indication of our commitment to promote and grow the game even further, with a major focus on recruiting new, young players to the sport. As we ‘step in’ as an organisation to a new era of growth and ambition, we decided to put the sport of squash front and centre in our name, as we strive to deliver more for our vibrant squash community and appeal to new participants in this exciting sport.”
CEO of Squash Ireland, Scott Graham, says the new identity is a key part in the organisation’s strategic planning; “I was very keen to update the Squash Ireland identity to reflect the energy, the fun and the community at the centre of the sport. The process we worked on with Branding Sport has really delivered on that objective and will help us to grow the game on a number of fronts.”
Branding Sport MD, Patrick Murphy, gives some more insight into the brand design and development; “The players, staff and volunteers at Squash Ireland contributed some very rich insight when it came to developing the brand and we were keen to deliver on that input. ‘Sport in 3d’ was a key idea and something we tried to capture in the new logo – the squash ball travelling in front, behind and all around the player and the court. For the eagle-eyed out there, the dimensions of the lettering and the logo are very deliberate and intended to reflect the dimensions of a squash court itself, while the overall identity has been created to appeal to a youthful audience and to really come to life across social media and digital platforms.”
Step in. Always step in.
In to the forehand, the backhand.
In to your local squash club.
In to the club comp… and the club night out.
It’s a game that suits us.
Chaotic and full of energy.
Sweat and tears. And laughs.
Indoors. Makes sense.
You might not see them,
But they’re all around.
Great Irish squash clubs.
Great people, great fun.
Step in to Squash.
Scott Graham, Squash Ireland CEO.
[email protected]
Squash Ireland is thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new Social Tour for 2024, designed to bring together squash enthusiasts of all levels for a fun, engaging, and inclusive experience.
The Social Squash Tour is a series of 1-day events all around Ireland where people meet, play squash, socialize and have fun.
Each event will promote squash as a healthy activity for any age and gender, with a social environment welcoming everyone, no matter their level, abilities or skills. We aim to bring together the community of beginners and improvers who aren’t eager to compete in official events, but are looking forward to challenge themselves, meet new people and share the love for our sport.
Each event will consists of a few hours of timed matches, to ensure everyone gets on court as much as possible. Everyone plays everyone. No winners or losers, no final ranking. Just a lot of games, chats and fun!
Registrations are open on SportyHQ, free of charge. Each participant will receive a t-shirt provide by Squash Ireland.
Limerick Women’s Social Tournament – FULL
Kilworth Women’s Social Tournament – October 21st – CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Kilworth Men’s Social Tournament – October 22nd – CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Rathnure Women’s Social Tournament – November 8th – CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Any club interested in running a social tour event can contact [email protected] highlighting:
1. Day, time and location of the event
2. Min and Max number of participants (1 court per max 6 players, min 2 courts)
3. Target group: open to all, over a certain age, women-only etc.
Funds will be provided to help towards running the event.
Squash Ireland is pleased to confirm the appointment of two young leaders to the Junior Committee.
Dean Dromgoole will take on the role of Junior Secretary, while Maria Protsepova will also join the Junior Committee, bringing new energy and ideas that will undoubtedly help grow junior squash.
Dean brings 15 years of experience competing in Ireland and across Europe and is registered as a PSA professional player. As a squash coach, Dean works regularly with young players and, as a former player himself, understands the junior squash scene very well. He is currently studying Mechanical Engineering at TU Dublin and plans to attend the majority of Junior Tour events.
Maria Protsepova has represented Ireland at the junior level, competing across Europe and as far as Australia at the World Junior Squash Championships. In addition to her experience as a player and coach, Maria is a committee member at Mount Pleasant LTC and a student of Law and German at Trinity College Dublin.
Maria brings with her a passion for promoting squash to junior players and, while catering to top players, she is also keen to develop an inclusive and welcoming environment to encourage more young people to play squash at all levels.
Speaking about the appointments, Irish Squash CEO Scott Graham said:
“I am delighted that both Dean and Maria have stepped forward to join the Junior Committee. We are putting a real focus on developing junior sections within clubs and broadening the player base, with more young people becoming involved in squash. I am particularly pleased that we have such excellent young leaders coming forward with fresh ideas.”
The role of Senior Secretary remains vacant. Please contact [email protected] for more information or to express your interest in this volunteer role.
The Junior Committee for the 2024/25 season is Dean Dromgoole (Junior Secondary), Maria Protsepova, David Noone (Connacht Rep), Eoin Ryan (Leinster Rep), Brendan Connolly (Munster Rep) and Josh McVeigh (Ulster Rep).
Applications were submitted in September 2023, with announcements on equipment funding published in May 2024, and capital funding made today.
The biggest beneficiary was Athlone Squash Club, which Irish Squash was pleased to provide a letter of support for the facility, which could act as a regional hub for squash in the Midlands although a significant funding shortfall remains.
Glenville Squash Club was awarded €15,045 for club and court upgrades, while Freshford Squash Club received a similar amount of €15,695.
Speaking on the news, Irish Squash CEO Scott Graham said:
“I am delighted for the clubs that were successful with their applications and have been awarded significant investment. Increasing and enhancing squash facilities across the island of Ireland is an important factor in continuing to grow the sport and make it more accessible and enjoyable to be a part of.
“For any clubs that did not apply or were unsuccessful, there will be more opportunities through future rounds of the Community Sports Facility Fund or local schemes managed by councils and local sports partnerships, such as the recent Local Enhancement Programme or Community Recognition Fund.”
“We will continue to highlight capital and other funding opportunities as they arise and are available to assist clubs where possible.”
If you missed Irish Squash’s recent webinar, facilitated by 2into3 on ‘How to Develop Local Club Facilities,’ please contact [email protected] to receive a recording of the webinar.
Click here for more on the Community Sports Facilities Fund.
