As autumn begins to close in on us, it is time to wave goodbye to summer and welcome new beginnings! Luckily, these new beginnings are fresh and exciting as September has finally arrived, meaning it’s time to get the ball rolling for the 2023/24 squash season! With so much in the pipeline on and off court, this season has the potential to be the best yet for squash in Ireland.

We have officially launched the season’s calendar on Sporty HQ, which is also available on our website. This season will see a plethora of highly competitive tournaments across the junior, senior and master divisions in Ireland, Europe and further afield involving Irish players.

In case you missed it, the Curragh Masters and the Kerry Senior Open kick-started our season last weekend and September will play host to several more tournaments at home and abroad including (see right)

Our feature event of the season, the Irish Open is set to take place between the 23rd and 27th April in Fitzwilliam LTC. It is important to note that clubs must ensure their club and members are affiliated with Irish Squash to ensure their members retain eligibility and can access these tournaments and events. See 2023/24 affiliation announcement for more information.

In December, our Men’s Senior Team will head to New Zealand to compete in the WSF Men’s Senior Teams World Championship, with everyone associated with Irish Squash hoping for the best and wishing them the very best. The team is undertaking fundraising activities and seeking sponsorship in order to fund the trip. Please reach out to [email protected] to learn more about the sponsorship opportunities or to support the team. 

Tournament Dates

• Killarney Senior Open 2023 (1st – 2nd Sept)
• European Individual Masters’ Championship 2023 (6th – 9th Sept)
• Welsh Junior Open 2023 (GP) (8th – 10th Sept)
• European Club Championships 2023 (13th Sept – 16th Sept)
• Mount Pleasant Junior Mixed Open 2023 (16th Sept – 17th Sept)
• Ulster Senior Closed 2023 (16th – 17th Sept)
• Connacht Junior Open 2023 – JUNIOR TOUR 1 (23rd Sept – 24th Sept)
• Belgian Masters Open 2023 (MO) (29th Sep – 1st Oct)

As autumn begins to close in on us, it is time to wave goodbye to summer and welcome new beginnings! Luckily, these new beginnings are fresh and exciting as September has finally arrived, meaning it’s time to get the ball rolling for the 2023/24 squash season! With so much in the pipeline on and off court, this season has the potential to be the best yet for squash in Ireland.

We have officially launched the season’s calendar on Sporty HQ, which is also available on our website. This season will see a plethora of highly competitive tournaments across the junior, senior and master divisions in Ireland, Europe and further afield involving Irish players.

In case you missed it, the Curragh Masters and the Kerry Senior Open kick-started our season last weekend and September will play host to several more tournaments at home and abroad including (see right)

Our feature event of the season, the Irish Open is set to take place between the 23rd and 27th April in Fitzwilliam LTC. It is important to note that clubs must ensure their club and members are affiliated with Irish Squash to ensure their members retain eligibility and can access these tournaments and events. See 2023/24 affiliation announcement for more information.

In December, our Men’s Senior Team will head to New Zealand to compete in the WSF Men’s Senior Teams World Championship, with everyone associated with Irish Squash hoping for the best and wishing them the very best. The team is undertaking fundraising activities and seeking sponsorship in order to fund the trip. Please reach out to [email protected] to learn more about the sponsorship opportunities or to support the team. 

Tournament Dates

• Killarney Senior Open 2023 (1st – 2nd Sept)
• European Individual Masters’ Championship 2023 (6th – 9th Sept)
• Welsh Junior Open 2023 (GP) (8th – 10th Sept)
• European Club Championships 2023 (13th Sept – 16th Sept)
• Mount Pleasant Junior Mixed Open 2023 (16th Sept – 17th Sept)
• Ulster Senior Closed 2023 (16th – 17th Sept)
• Connacht Junior Open 2023 – JUNIOR TOUR 1 (23rd Sept – 24th Sept)
• Belgian Masters Open 2023 (MO) (29th Sep – 1st Oct)

Irish Squash continues to introduce changes in our organisation that are consistent with the aims of our Strategic Plan, Connecting the Dots (2022 – 2027).

In particular, we are focusing on becoming more professional in how we deliver support to the squash community. The recent appointment of Scott Graham in the new position of CEO is a significant advance and he brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as Operations Manager in Cycling Ireland. Tiernan Harris is our new full-time Office Administrator covering a range of duties, in particular SporthHQ and membership management. Paul Nugent remains in his COO role and his experience of working in the squash sector is invaluable to our expanded team.

Our focus now turns to how the organisation is structured from a governance perspective. Following a series of review meetings and legal input, the board recognises that the board itself needs to be restructured: reducing the number of directors, with representation being skills-based rather than geographic. Our constitution also needs to reflect the new executive process required following appointment of our CEO.

 An organisational review workshop will be held in Fitzwilliam LTC on Saturday 16th September (10am-3pm) to discuss the proposed new constitution with our members. We would like as many people as possible to attend so that we can hear your views in advance of an EGM (to be held later this month & details will follow shortly).  Please use the following link to register: https://forms.gle/xE9fHGRE2CPMF3v29

Finally, may I wish all our members an enjoyable and successful squash season ahead. 

Rosie Barry

President

Irish Squash

Irish Squash continues to introduce changes in our organisation that are consistent with the aims of our Strategic Plan, Connecting the Dots (2022 – 2027).

In particular, we are focusing on becoming more professional in how we deliver support to the squash community. The recent appointment of Scott Graham in the new position of CEO is a significant advance and he brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as Operations Manager in Cycling Ireland. Tiernan Harris is our new full-time Office Administrator covering a range of duties, in particular SporthHQ and membership management. Paul Nugent remains in his COO role and his experience of working in the squash sector is invaluable to our expanded team.

Our focus now turns to how the organisation is structured from a governance perspective. Following a series of review meetings and legal input, the board recognises that the board itself needs to be restructured: reducing the number of directors, with representation being skills-based rather than geographic. Our constitution also needs to reflect the new executive process required following appointment of our CEO.

 An organisational review workshop will be held in Fitzwilliam LTC on Saturday 16th September (10am-3pm) to discuss the proposed new constitution with our members. We would like as many people as possible to attend so that we can hear your views in advance of an EGM (to be held later this month & details will follow shortly).  Please use the following link to register: https://forms.gle/xE9fHGRE2CPMF3v29

Finally, may I wish all our members an enjoyable and successful squash season ahead. 

Rosie Barry

President

Irish Squash

Hello and welcome to our new monthly newsletter!

I joined Irish Squash as CEO one month ago. It has been an extremely busy yet enjoyable month and a pleasure to work with so many committed members of the squash community. Everyone is fully focused on delivering the objectives set out within the Strategic Plan and committed to modernising Irish Squash and developing the sport.

One of the key priorities for me in the coming months is the appointment of Development Officers. These officers will be tasked with supporting clubs in various ways, including setting up junior sections, initiating club development projects and identifying local funding opportunities, promoting membership, supporting clubs with their governance, and implementing participation programmes. I am proactively engaging with partners and stakeholders to secure the necessary funding to make this happen.

Another focus for me is to enhance communications and rejuvenate the Irish Squash brand to align with our new vision for the sport. The first step in this process is establishing this monthly newsletter. 

We have invited news submissions from the provinces and welcome any contributions you may have. Soon, we will initiate a consultation process and carry out a brand refresh for Irish Squash. I am also planning to revamp the website to make it user-friendly and reflective of the new brand identity we are developing.

A significant amount of excellent work is already underway, providing a strong foundation for further progress. This includes establishing a Level 1 coaching qualification on the Sport Ireland Coaching Framework, creating a single platform (Sporty HQ) for managing club memberships and event entries, and promoting vibrant tournaments and competitions.

As the National Governing Body, it is crucial that we remain accessible to offer support and guidance to clubs and members. If you require assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact Paul or Tiernan at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can reach out to me directly at [email protected].

Yours is sport,

Scott Graham

CEO

Irish Squash

Hello and welcome to our new monthly newsletter!

I joined Irish Squash as CEO one month ago. It has been an extremely busy yet enjoyable month and a pleasure to work with so many committed members of the squash community. Everyone is fully focused on delivering the objectives set out within the Strategic Plan and committed to modernising Irish Squash and developing the sport.

One of the key priorities for me in the coming months is the appointment of Development Officers. These officers will be tasked with supporting clubs in various ways, including setting up junior sections, initiating club development projects and identifying local funding opportunities, promoting membership, supporting clubs with their governance, and implementing participation programmes. I am proactively engaging with partners and stakeholders to secure the necessary funding to make this happen.

Another focus for me is to enhance communications and rejuvenate the Irish Squash brand to align with our new vision for the sport. The first step in this process is establishing this monthly newsletter. 

We have invited news submissions from the provinces and welcome any contributions you may have. Soon, we will initiate a consultation process and carry out a brand refresh for Irish Squash. I am also planning to revamp the website to make it user-friendly and reflective of the new brand identity we are developing.

A significant amount of excellent work is already underway, providing a strong foundation for further progress. This includes establishing a Level 1 coaching qualification on the Sport Ireland Coaching Framework, creating a single platform (Sporty HQ) for managing club memberships and event entries, and promoting vibrant tournaments and competitions.

As the National Governing Body, it is crucial that we remain accessible to offer support and guidance to clubs and members. If you require assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact Paul or Tiernan at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can reach out to me directly at [email protected].

Yours is sport,

Scott Graham

CEO

Irish Squash

Irish Squash are delighted to announce that their annual National Coaching Conference will take place in Fitzwilliam Lawn & Tennis Club on September 9th. 

The event will run from 10:15 to 16:30 with refreshments provided and is free of charge for those attending. There will be 4-one-hour seminars including practical examples and discussion with small breaks between sessions. 

The objective for the conference is to connect our coaching communities & clubs. Through which we can share ideas & best practice through presentation and group discussion on how we can grow our game from beginners/juniors through to elite/ seasoned, imparting a lifetime love for squash.

This is expected to be a wonderfully engaging and exciting event with some really insightful guests providing seminars on a range of content including strength & conditioning, mindset development and long-term athlete development. A full breakdown of the day’s events can be found below;

Guests

• Derek Ryan, former World no.7 professional squash player and now highly-experienced physiotherapist and strength & conditioning specialist, will lead a session on strength and conditioning for juniors. As Derek works with elite squash superstars, including world no. 1 & 4, Ali Farag & Mustafa Asal, his insight is one to make sure you book into the calendar!

• Leading mindset specialists, Gazing Performance will provide a session on mindset development. This will include an introduction to mental skills development and will also cover Gazing Red2Blue, which aims to help you improve your mindset to become the best and most authentic version of yourself as you could be. Additionally, this session will provide insight as to how as a coach, you can learn, understand and use red2blue and mindset as part of player development, integrated with physical and technical skills to help your athletes perform at an optimum level . This framework is key to helping athletes perform in intense, high pressure situations. More info on what they provide can be found here: www.gazing.com 

• Eugene Walker, former senior international and coach will be providing a session on Celtic SC Junior squash programme & experience. This will be a worthwhile session for those involved in junior squash programmes around the country

• We will have a session on LTADM (Long-term Athlete Development Model) which will provide significant insight into the development of athletes and how best to maximise their potential

A massive thank you must be given to Eddie Murphy, Irish Squash’s coach education officer for putting together a brilliant assemble of guests. 

This is a day not to be missed and will be an exciting day for all involved. To register for the event, please fill out the form using this link, before the closing date of September 7th; https://forms.gle/n6BLSmD4iUHdirm26

Irish Squash are delighted to announce that their annual National Coaching Conference will take place in Fitzwilliam Lawn & Tennis Club on September 9th. 

The event will run from 10:15 to 16:30 with refreshments provided and is free of charge for those attending. There will be 4-one-hour seminars including practical examples and discussion with small breaks between sessions. 

The objective for the conference is to connect our coaching communities & clubs. Through which we can share ideas & best practice through presentation and group discussion on how we can grow our game from beginners/juniors through to elite/ seasoned, imparting a lifetime love for squash.

This is expected to be a wonderfully engaging and exciting event with some really insightful guests providing seminars on a range of content including strength & conditioning, mindset development and long-term athlete development. A full breakdown of the day’s events can be found below;

Guests

• Derek Ryan, former World no.7 professional squash player and now highly-experienced physiotherapist and strength & conditioning specialist, will lead a session on strength and conditioning for juniors. As Derek works with elite squash superstars, including world no. 1 & 4, Ali Farag & Mustafa Asal, his insight is one to make sure you book into the calendar!

• Leading mindset specialists, Gazing Performance will provide a session on mindset development. This will include an introduction to mental skills development and will also cover Gazing Red2Blue, which aims to help you improve your mindset to become the best and most authentic version of yourself as you could be. Additionally, this session will provide insight as to how as a coach, you can learn, understand and use red2blue and mindset as part of player development, integrated with physical and technical skills to help your athletes perform at an optimum level . This framework is key to helping athletes perform in intense, high pressure situations. More info on what they provide can be found here: www.gazing.com 

• Eugene Walker, former senior international and coach will be providing a session on Celtic SC Junior squash programme & experience. This will be a worthwhile session for those involved in junior squash programmes around the country

• We will have a session on LTADM (Long-term Athlete Development Model) which will provide significant insight into the development of athletes and how best to maximise their potential

A massive thank you must be given to Eddie Murphy, Irish Squash’s coach education officer for putting together a brilliant assemble of guests. 

This is a day not to be missed and will be an exciting day for all involved. To register for the event, please fill out the form using this link, before the closing date of September 7th; https://forms.gle/n6BLSmD4iUHdirm26

Irish Squash is recruiting for a Games Promotion Officer – Leinster. This part-time position is funded by Leinster Squash, the provincial body responsible for promoting and coordinating leagues and tournaments within the Province. The role will require a close working relationship with the Leinster Squash Committee.

The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, administering, and promoting Leinster Squash leagues and tournaments, while also increasing participation rates and providing excellent levels of customer service.

For a complete job description, click here. – Games Promotion Officer – Leinster

Applications must be sent via email with the subject line [ATTN: Games Promotion Officer – Leinster]. When applying by email, please include a letter of introduction detailing your skills and experience relevant to the role, along with your Curriculum Vitae outlining your skills and work experience. Please ensure that these documents are submitted no later than 5 pm on August 21st, 2023, to Irish Squash at [email protected].

Irish Squash is recruiting for a Games Promotion Officer – Leinster. This part-time position is funded by Leinster Squash, the provincial body responsible for promoting and coordinating leagues and tournaments within the Province. The role will require a close working relationship with the Leinster Squash Committee.

The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, administering, and promoting Leinster Squash leagues and tournaments, while also increasing participation rates and providing excellent levels of customer service.

For a complete job description, click here. – Games Promotion Officer – Leinster

Applications must be sent via email with the subject line [ATTN: Games Promotion Officer – Leinster]. When applying by email, please include a letter of introduction detailing your skills and experience relevant to the role, along with your Curriculum Vitae outlining your skills and work experience. Please ensure that these documents are submitted no later than 5 pm on August 21st, 2023, to Irish Squash at [email protected].