Irish Squash welcomed a significant investment in the sport from Sport NI under the ‘Sports Systems Investment – New Governing Bodies’ scheme. The funding is targeted at helping governing bodies grow their sport and is a welcome boost for squash, which has not received Sport NI funding in recent years.
The financial assistance will allow Irish Squash, in partnership with the provincial branch Ulster Squash, to deliver a range of participation-focused programs and provide support to new and existing clubs to grow in an inclusive and sustainable manner. To grow the game into the future, there will be a particular emphasis on establishing and expanding club junior sections and programs.
Another key element of the strategy is to increase the number of qualified coaches and raise coaching standards within Northern Ireland, driven forward by Irish Squash’s Head of Coach Education alongside the committed volunteers of Ulster Squash.
Sport NI’s Sports System Investment program is made possible thanks to National Lottery players who raise more than £30m for good causes each week.
Irish Squash CEO, Scott Graham, commented:
I am delighted that we have strengthened our relationship with Sport NI, which recognises squash as a great platform to change people’s lives for the better. The Sport NI investment will have a hugely positive impact, allowing us to do more to grow and develop squash in communities across Northern Ireland. The assistance of Ulster Squash has been instrumental in securing the funding and will be vital in the ongoing delivery of programs, ultimately contributing to the achievement of our strategic goals.
Having joined the pro tour just two months ago, Lisburn’s Hannah Craig is already turning heads on the pro circuit.
Off the back of an incredible unseeded 2nd place finish at the Costa Rican open earlier in the month, Hannah climbed to 102 in the PSA World Rankings and is now more determined than ever to display her skillset on the global stage.
Hannah has been prolific at both youth and senior grade in Ireland, capturing countless titles including multiple Irish Junior Championships and a National Senior title. Hannah has also proved her success across Europe as a two-time European Super Series champion. Now she is proving her worth on the pro circuit with many impressive performances to start her professional career.
On the back of her brilliant form Hannah is delighted to see her potential beginning to come to fruition saying, “having started on the pro tour in September, I’m delighted to see the hard work starting to pay-off and to reach my highest world ranking”.
Hannah’s stunning Costa Rican Open performance came on the back the announcement that she has been awarded funding from Sport Northern Ireland on their 2023/24 Athlete Award scheme which Hannah hopes will help propel her “to reach the pinnacle of the game” as she competes in high-level events worldwide.
Despite being based in the US, Hannah notes she “loves nothing more than representing Ireland”, having previously captained Ireland at u17 and u19 level. There may be future opportunities for Hannah to don the Irish colours on the global stage in the future, with the recent news that squash has been ratified as an Olympic sport in 2028. This a dream for Hannah who now sees the second half of the season as an immense opportunity to “continue to build towards the Commonwealth & Olympic Games”.
Currently residing in New York and having recently graduated from Harvard University, the lure of a United States Olympics may prove to be an extra incentive for Hannah as she dedicates herself to qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
With the Commonwealth and Olympic Games qualification on the horizon, Irish Squash would love to congratulate Hannah on her recent success wish her all the best for the second half of the season.
The highly anticipated IACT Irish Junior Open 2023 took place last weekend. This event is the premier billing on the Irish Squash junior calendar with Sutton LTC and ALSAA SC providing exceptional hospitality as hosts.
There was growth in the filed this year with over 130 youngsters from over 15 countries donning their national colours in the Irish capital to showcase their skillsets as future stars of the game.
With 8 trophies up for grabs with boys and girls competing across the U13, U15, U17 and U19 age groups, this was the perfect opportunity for juniors to test their mettle against some of Europe’s best under the spotlight.
Expectations were high for the strong cohort of Irish players based on pre-draw seedings with Irish Players seeded top-3 in 6 of the 8 categories and top seed in half of the categories. Ultimately, team Ireland did not disappoint, winning 3/8 categories and securing podium places in 7/8 categories, with performances particularly exceptional across the girls’ categories.
Full podium places can be seen below, while full results can be found at: IACT Irish Junior Open – Results
Photographer, Henry Gillanders attended the tournament and tournament album can be found here
Action was livestreamed across the weekend on Irish Squash TV and in case you missed any of the action, full replays can be found here: Irish Squash TV – Irish Junior Open
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Irish Squash is pleased to announce a new partnership that will see UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic supporting the Senior Men’s National Team. This collaboration will span the 2023-2024 season and encompass two prestigious international tournaments: the 2023 WSF Men’s World Team Championships, taking place from December 11 to 17, and the 2024 ESF Men’s European Team Championships, scheduled for May 1 to 4.
Founded in 2007, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin is a leading healthcare facility dedicated to sports medicine, orthopedics, and rehabilitation services. UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic provides expert care to athletes and individuals seeking specialised treatment and recovery solutions, ensuring they return to peak performance. With a multidisciplinary team of specialists, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic offers comprehensive services to support patients on their journey to recovery.
The Senior Men’s National Team has been making significant strides, securing promotion to Division 1 by winning silver at the 2023 European Championships. Comprising a talented, young roster, these players are committed to the sport and are determined to improve their world rankings in the upcoming seasons to compete against the world’s best. They are deeply committed to inspiring the next generation, sharing their experiences and knowledge through various clinics across Ireland.
The team to compete in the 2023 WSF Men’s World Team Championships in Tauranga, New Zealand was named as Sam Buckley, Sean Conroy, Oisin Logan, and Michael Creaven. Alex Smith has been selected as a reserve player.
With squash’s inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympic Games, the sport is reaching new heights and providing a unique opportunity for Ireland’s roster of talented young players to become Olympians.
Scott Graham, the CEO of Irish Squash, expressed his gratitude for UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic’s support:
“We are incredibly grateful for the support from UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic, which will help enable our team to compete at the World Championships in New Zealand. These athletes have shown immense dedication, both on and off the court, to advance their careers in squash, and we’re delighted they’ll have the opportunity to challenge themselves against the world’s top players. This group of players has a unique chance to lead the way and inspire the next generation of Irish Squash players.”
“With the recent news of squash’s inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympic Games, the support of sponsors and partners who share our passion for the sport is more important than ever. We rely on our funding partners and generous sponsors to help give Irish players the opportunity to fulfil their potential.”
Follow the excitement of the 2023 WSF Men’s World Team Championships at www.wsfmensteams.com or on Irish Squash’s social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For inquiries about sponsorship opportunities with Irish Squash, please contact [email protected].
Learn more about UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic at www.sportssurgeryclinic.com.
Ireland will be represented by a strong team comprising an exciting mix of youth and experience at the 2023 WSF Men’s World Team Championships in Tauranga, New Zealand, from December 11th to 17th. Sam Buckley, Sean Conroy, Oisin Logan, and Michael Creaven have gained selection and look forward to testing themselves against the world’s top-ranked players and squash nations. Alex Smith has been selected as a non-traveling reserve player.
Cassidy Travel are supporting the group as the Official Sponsor of the team. while UMPC Sports Surgery Clinic are also on-board as an Official Supporter. In addition to this amazing support, Sutton LTC are running a fundraising raffle this weekend, during the Irish Junior Open, on Sun 19th Nov at 12pm.
There are some amazing prizes up for grabs (see below). Ticket prices are also available below and can be purchased here, or in Sutton LTC until the 19th Nov.
Ticket Prices:
€5 for 1 ticket
€20 for 5 tickets
€50 for 12 tickets
Great Prizes
Irish Squash is delighted to announce Cassidy Travel as an Official Sponsor of the Senior Men’s National Team. This partnership will extend throughout the 2023-2024 season and will cover two marquee international events: the 2023 WSF Men’s World Team Championships from December 11 to 17 and the 2024 ESF Men’s European Team Championships from May 1 to 4.
The team to compete in the 2023 WSF Men’s World Team Championships in Tauranga, New Zealand was named as Sam Buckley, Sean Conroy, Oisin Logan, and Michael Creaven. Alex Smith has been selected as a reserve player.
Established in 1985, Cassidy Travel is one of Ireland’s leading travel agents. Cassidy Travel books over 60,000 holidays every year to destinations all around the world. Whether you’re looking to travel to Tenerife or Thailand, the Algarve or Australia, the Canaries or Cancun, Cassidy Travel will help you find your dream vacation. With more than 120 travel experts, Cassidy Travel prides itself on finding incredible offers on family holidays, sports breaks, city breaks, cruise holidays, romantic getaways, and more in Europe, America, and beyond.
The Senior Men’s National Team has been on the rise of late, securing promotion to Division 1 by winning silver at the 2023 European Championships. A talented young team, the players are committed to the game and ambitiously striving to climb the world rankings over the coming seasons to challenge the world’s best. These players are particularly conscious of inspiring the next generation and have shared their journey and knowledge of the game at a series of coaching clinics.
The newly appointed CEO for Irish Squash, Scott Graham, commented:
“The support of Cassidy Travel is greatly appreciated and will go a long way in giving the team the opportunity to compete in New Zealand at the World Championships. The players have shown great commitment on and off the court to progress their careers in squash, and I am pleased they will have the opportunity to test themselves against the world’s best players. This cohort of players has an opportunity to pave the way and inspire a new generation.”
Follow the action from the 2023 WSF Men’s World Team Championships at www.wsfmensteams.com or on Irish Squash’s Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. For more information on sponsorship opportunities with Irish Squash, please contact [email protected].
Discover the world at www.cassidytravel.ie.
Ireland will be represented by a strong team comprising an exciting mix of youth and experience at the 2023 WSF Men’s World Team Championships in Tauranga, New Zealand, from December 11th to 17th. Sam Buckley, Sean Conroy, Oisin Logan, and Michael Creaven have gained selection and look forward to testing themselves against the world’s top-ranked players and squash nations. Alex Smith has been selected as a non-traveling reserve player.
The players have represented Ireland with distinction at both junior and senior levels on many occasions. The Senior Men’s Team will travel full of confidence after securing a silver medal at the 2023 European Team Championships, earning promotion to the top division in Europe. Team Ireland will now aim to recreate their continental success on a global stage, competing against the powerhouses of World Squash, with around 100 of the world’s best players set to feature.
On the back of the exciting news that squash has secured its place in the LA 2028 Olympics, this competition is a wonderful opportunity for the players to test themselves on the global stage.
The Senior Men’s Team competing in the 2023 WSF World Team Championships is sponsored by Cassidy Travel, one of Ireland’s leading travel agents that books over 60,000 holidays every year to destinations all around the world. UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic has come on board as an Official Supporter of the team. The team continues their fundraising efforts with an opportunity to contribute through a raffle being hosted by Sutton LTC at the Irish Junior Open from the 17th to 19th of November.
To view raffle prizes and purchase tickets for the raffle, click here. Alternatively, tickets can also be purchased in The Sports Shop at Sutton LTC.
The Federation of Irish Sport today announced the launch of the 2023 Volunteers in Sports Awards, a highly anticipated event set to recognise the unsung heroes who breathe life into sports in every corner of the country. Supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships these dedicated volunteers are the backbone of sporting communities, and it’s time to celebrate their unwavering commitment.
Nominations for the awards are now open, and you can submit your entries at the dedicated awards website, www.volunteersinsport.ie. Under the banner of #DedicatedToTheDedicated, these awards are more than just a ceremony; they are a celebration of the remarkable individuals who pour their hearts into sports in every county across Ireland.
The 2023 awards will culminate in a spectacular in-person awards ceremony, scheduled to take place on Thursday 29th February 2024. Nominations opened Monday, November 13th, and the window for entries will close on Monday December 18th, 2023. The nominations received will be meticulously shortlisted and thoughtfully considered by our Judging Panel. This prestigious event will see 32 county awards presented, and one exceptional individual will be crowned with the coveted Outstanding Volunteer Award.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of sporting activities in clubs and communities nationwide. They generously invest their time, energy, and passion, dedicating themselves to the development of their chosen sport. Over 450,000 dedicated volunteers are needed on a weekly basis to fuel club activities. Their collective efforts translate into an astonishing estimated economic value of €1.5 billion, showcasing the immeasurable impact of their contributions. Without these volunteers, the very existence of sports clubs would hang in the balance.
The 2023 Volunteers in Sports Awards are more than just an event; they are a tribute to the unsung heroes who make sports happen in our communities. We encourage everyone to participate in this celebration by nominating the dedicated volunteers who deserve to be recognised for their exceptional contributions.
For more information and to submit your nominations, please visit www.volunteersinsport.ie
Last weekend was an action-packed weekend on the Irish Squash calendar with highly prestigious competitions taking place across three provinces, Leinster, Connacht and Munster.
In Connacht, Galway Lawn Tennis club played host to a stellar field in the annual Connacht Senior Open. The level of play across the men’s and women’s sections was immense with many matches going down to the wire. The feature events, the Men’s and Women’s A divisions were won by Conor Moran and Breanne Flynn respectively.
The podium places of the Men’s A, B & C sections, alongside the Women’s A can be seen below, while a full breakdown of results is available at: https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/Connacht-Senior-Open-3
Fresh off the back of a tremendous Irish Masters Open, Fitzwilliam LTC and LCC once again welcomed a full field of competitors to the Leinster Masters Open. Action took place across Friday and Saturday with an excellent standard on show, once again proving that age is just a number.
The podium places of the MO35+, MO40+, MO45+, MO45+ (B), MO50+, MO55+, MO55+ (B), MO60+, MO60+ (B), MO65+, MO65+ (B), MO70+, WO35/40+, WO45+, WO50+, WO60+ can be seen below, while a full breakdown of results is available at: https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/Leinster-Masters-Open-2023-MASTERS-TOUR-2
Highfield SC took centre stage to host the Munster Junior Open with action across Saturday and Sunday. There were juniors from U11 to U19 with some spectacular performances on show from future stars. The podium places for B/G U11, B/G U13, B/G U15, B/G U17 and B/G U19 can be seen below with a full set of results available at: https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/Munster-Junior-Open-3
November is set to be a very busy time in the Irish Squash Calendar with plenty of competitions coming up in the next few weeks, with competitions in each province propping up the November billing!
After a brilliant Irish Masters Open, Fitzwilliam LTC plays host to the Leinster Masters Open from the 10th-11th Nov with a full field of competitors taking to the court!
On the same weekend, we have action from provincial opens. The Munster Junior Open and the Connacht Senior open take place between the 11th-12th Nov with many exciting talents set to play in both competitions.
Later in the month, Ulster plays host to their own Senior Open from the 25th-26th Nov.
Our headline event of the month is set to take place across the 17th-19th of the month when Irish Squash welcomes juniors from all around Europe to compete in the ESF accredited Irish Junior Open. This is set to be a fantastic opportunity for the younger generation of squash players to perform under the spotlight!
Further afield, we have Irish competitors In the Welsh Masters Open at the end of the month, which is preceded by the Dutch Masters Open halfway through the month.
The appetite is already wet with stunning performance from Irish Players in the Belgian Junior Open and the Malta Masters Open last weekend! For full results of these competitions, read here: Irish Squash – Latest Results
