IRELAND OVER 40’s WIN HI’S IN CARDIFF

Its like waiting ages for a bus to arrive and then 2 come at the same time!!. Ireland’s Mens over 40’s team completed a 5 – 0 whitewash of an English Squash team in Cardiff on April 25th making it back to back wins over England. After last years unbelievable first win, this double is only the 2^nd ever victory over England at this level. 

Organising the weekend got underway around last October.  The team of David ’Captain Fantastic’ Ayerst, Dara ‘Hit the ball harder daddy’ O Flynn, Neal ‘let please’ Murphy, John ‘Bull’ Hurley,  Rob ‘Only man to lose a match’ Staunton and Stevie ‘ Curly’ Richardson knew after last year’s historic first win that the double over England  was on. The phones were ringing and bellys reducing over the next 6 months with everyones eyes on Cardiff and the possible English double and an overall win in the competition between the 4 nations.

The weekend got under way with a very nervy win over Scotland on Friday night. A long day and early flights had everyone just wanting to get to bed with a win. A 4 -1 win over a good Scotland side in the bag. Job done with some tight matches. England were drawn for Saturday morning and now nothing else mattered. First win down, move on.

Saturday morning. Breakfasts were pushed around the plates. Chat was limited. Even the English team could smell the tension. Neutrals called it a 50 /50 match maybe with Ireland slight favourites. Nothing an Irish team likes less than being made favourites against England. ‘Lets just get started, enough of this waiting around………’

First on Neal Murphy against the 6 foot 5 Ginger  Octopus Josh Hargreaves. Josh even made ‘Bull’ Hurley look like a pup. At one game all everyone was twitching in their seats. Josh played a great second game to even it up at 1-1. With a series of well timed lets and lobs Murph pushed through 3 – 1. Tough first one out of the way …. game on lads. A good day for the biblical  ‘Davids’ not the ‘Goliaths’.

Next up Captain fantastic, David  Ayerst, playing Paul Boyle, an ex New Zealand international nationalised to the England team. This was going to be hard, hard going. Absolute blood and guts. All games down to the wire, Boyle really strong and a lovely player.  David dug in on every point matched Boyle for fitness and played his shots all the way through. This was monumental stuff. Beaten by the same player last year, this was a turn around result of last years 3- 1 for David. A real captains performance. For a man of few words he couldn’t be shut up afterward. 2 – 0 in matches. Brilliant stuff.

Next up our Banker match. Stevie ‘Curly’ Richardson against the England legend Jamie Goodrich. This to make it 3 – 0 in matches and seal the deal. Jesus bad start for Stevie, 1- 0 down. Ohhhh nooooo even worse 2 -0 down in games,  with Englands Goodrich looking very strong and confident. Que the usual shifting in seats, nervous looks, not defeat from the jaws of victory, lets not even let the thoughts go there….. England starting to believe  again. Escape to victory sounds in the background !!.    Stevie comes out and in his own inimitable style puts the head down. Famous for his pure raw working squash Stevie turned the match around. After winning a tight, nervy third game the change in body language was evident for all to see. Stevie on the T, Jamie doing court sprints. ‘Lovely Stevie is back to business’. 2-2 and never in doubt. Stevie pushes on and at 3- 2 the teams and audience give a standing ovation to both players  coming off court. Ireland win but more to come…….

Next up Dara o Flynn. On the phone for months talking of close matches with England but never a win, Flynner was mad for road. Playing the England captain and pin up boy John Gliddon this was only going one way. Picked as player of the weekend Flynner came out playing easily his best squash of the year.   Gliddon a really classy player and quick to the front was bullied from the T for the three games by Dara . Everytime things got tight Flynner got the head down and gave Gliddon no hope. A really comprehensive win for flynner and a big punch of the air for his first England win.

Last on Rob ‘only man to lose a watch all weekend’ Staunton (against Scotland).  Playing a really great English player Rob had a brilliant match. At 1-0 down Rob really scrapped and fought to stay in the match. Even at 1-1 McLaughlin was playing super squash. With pure guts Rob sneeked the third with both players exhausted. Rob picked up where he left off and gave a performance of skill and composure to complete the whitewash of the English squash team. 5-0 read it and weep!!!!

Ireland 5 v Wales 0

Ireland beat Wales in a straightforward 5  -0 win to complete the full six nations victory for only the second time in Ireland Squash history.

Let just mayhem on the dance floor, a few renditions of the Irish Rover, and 6 happy Paddys on Sunday. Love it.

Neal Murphy

On the weekend of the 1st/2nd of May saw 4 countries come to Dublin to play in 4 events – ladies O55’s, Mens O75’s, O55’s & O35’s.

The teams from Scotland, England, Wales and hosts Ireland had over 80 masters playing in the 4 events. As usual play was very competitive and of course sporting.

For full results see below

Ladies Over 55

Ire v Eng  Ire v Scot  Ire v Wales  Scot v Eng  Scot v Wales  Wales v Eng

Mens Over 75

Eng v Wales  Ire v Eng  Ire v Scot  Ire v Wales  Scot v Eng  Scot v Wales

Mens Over 55

Eng v Wales  Ire v Eng  Ire v Scot  Ire v Wales  Scot v Eng  Scot v Wales

Mens Over 35

Eng v Wales  Ire v Eng  Ire v Scot  Ire v Wales  Scot v Eng  Scot v Wales

Elvy Da Costa finished training the latest batch of new Irish Squash coaches in Mt. Pleasant last Sunday 3rd May. Congratulations to all those involved and many thanks to Mt. Pleasant for allowing us to host the course there.

Some photos of the action below:

Ireland’s men and women start today in the European Championships in Herning, Denmark.

The men are in a group with Czech and the ladies with England, Wales and Spain.

MENS TEAM – A.Gaskin, B.Byrne, M.Craig, S.Richardson, S.Conroy

WOMENS TEAM – M.Perry, A.Blake, L.Mylotte, C.Moloney

COACHES – Hadrian Stiff & Paul Bell  MANAGERS – Rosie Barry & Ed Dunne

For Live Streaming click HERE

TOURNAMENT WEBSITE

For all results – TOURNAMENT SOFTWARE

MEN

Day 4

So a 2nd in Division 2 and promotion to Division 1 for the men and a bronze medal for the women. – A super European Championships for Irish Squash!!

Ireland – Finland: [2-2]

 

Match overview

Order	Event	Ireland	–	Finland	Score	Points			Duration
1	MS1	Arthur Gaskin	–	Henrik Mustonen	7-11 7-11 5-11	0-1			0:29
2	MS2	Brian O Broin	–	Matias Tuomi	7-11 3-11 11-3 7-11	0-1			0:46
3	MS3	Michael Craig	–	Jaakko Vähämaa	11-6 11-5 8-11	1-0
4	MS4	Sean Conroy	–	Kristian Rautiainen	11-5 5-11 11-9 11-6	1-0			1:19

Day 3

Denmark – Ireland: 2-2 – Ireland win on countback 8-7

Match overview

Order	Event	Denmark	–	Ireland	Score	Points			Duration
1	MS1	Kristian Frost	–	Arthur Gaskin	11-8 7-11 11-5 11-6	1-0			1:02
2	MS2	Rasmus Møller	–	Brian O Broin	11-6 11-7 5-11 11-5	1-0			0:52
3	MS3	Morten Sørensen	–	Michael Craig	7-11 8-11 9-11	0-1			0:50
4	MS4	Thomas Laursen	–	Steve Richardson	11-2 5-11 6-11 2-11	0-1			0:43

 

Day 2

Both IRELAND men and women’s team are into semi finals tomorrow in the European Championships. IRELAND’S  men beat Sweden this afternoon in a quarter final in Division 2 4-0. having gained enough points the 3rd & 4th matches did not have to be completed as IRELAND were through. They now play Denmark in the semi final tomorrow @ 1pm on Court 5/6. Watch it live see link above.

Sweden – Ireland: 0-4

Match overview

Order	Event	Sweden	–	Ireland	Score	Points			Duration
1	MS1	Christian Drakenberg	–	Arthur Gaskin	8-11 3-11 3-11	0-1			0:33
2	MS2	Alex Christenson	–	Brian O Broin	6-11 6-11 6-11	0-1			0:29
3	MS3	Aryan Ahmed	–	Michael Craig	9-11	0-1			0:47
4	MS4	Björn Angtoft	–	Steve Richardson	5-11	0-1			0:38

Czech Republic – Ireland: [1-3]

Match overview

Order	Event	Czech Republic	–	Ireland	Score	Points			Duration
1	MS1	Jan Koukal	–	Arthur Gaskin	11-7 11-9 2-11 0-11 6-11	0-1			1:02
2	MS2	Martin Svec	–	Brian O Broin	6-11 11-4 4-11 9-11	0-1			0:37
3	MS3	Daniel Mekbib	–	Michael Craig	11-9 11-6 11-8	1-0			0:38
4	MS4	Jakub Solnicky	–	Steve Richardson	10-12 11-6 9-11 5-11	0-0			0:45

Standings of Men’s Team Division 2 – Group D

		Points	Played	Won	Draws	Lost	Rubbers			Games			Points
1	Ireland	2	1	1	0	0	3	–	1	9	–	7	149	–	128
2	Czech Republic	0	1	0	0	1	1	–	3	7	–	9	128	–	149

Show draw…

WOMEN

<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10116" title="womens team" src="http://www.ir

Ireland’s men and women start today in the European Championships in Herning, Denmark.

The men are in a group with Czech and the ladies with England, Wales and Spain.

MENS TEAM – A.Gaskin, B.Byrne, M.Craig, S.Richardson, S.Conroy

WOMENS TEAM – M.Perry, A.Blake, L.Mylotte, C.Moloney

COACHES – Hadrian Stiff & Paul Bell  MANAGERS – Rosie Barry & Ed Dunne

For Live Streaming click HERE

 

TOURNAMENT WEBSITE

 

For all results – TOURNAMENT SOFTWARE

MEN

Day 4

Ireland’s men were 2 points from winning Division 2 today, in Herning. Michael Craig, the hero vs. Denmark yesterday was playing Jaakko Vahamaa, leading 2-0 and 9-8 in points. If he wins the match 3-0, Ireland win the tie overall on countback. Jaakko keeps his cool and wins the next 3 points to give Finland the point they needed to win overall. Earlier Arthur Gaskin and Brian Byrne lost 3-0 & 3-1 respectively. Sean Conroy from Dublin, winning his first cap won 3-1, after a long injury break in the game during the 4th game.

So all down to Michael Craig, once again. He played superbly and was in control for most of the match. In the decisive 3rd game he led early on, took the lead 9-8 and was in pole position. But credit to Jaakko who was patient and duly won the next 3 points to win the match for Finland on countback 8-6.

So a 2nd in Division 2 and promotion to Division 1 for the men and a bronze medal for the women. – A super European Championships for Irish Squash!!

Ireland – Finland: [2-2]

 

Match overview

Order	Event	Ireland	–	Finland	Score	Points			Duration
1	MS1	Arthur Gaskin	–	Henrik Mustonen	7-11 7-11 5-11	0-1			0:29
2	MS2	Brian O Broin	–	Matias Tuomi	7-11 3-11 11-3 7-11	0-1			0:46
3	MS3	Michael Craig	–	Jaakko Vähämaa	11-6 11-5 8-11	1-0
4	MS4	Sean Conroy	–	Kristian Rautiainen	11-5 5-11 11-9 11-6	1-0			1:19

 

Day 3

Ireland’s men’s team played the semi final of Division 2 vs Denmark, No. 1 seeds today. Having lost the first 2 matches at no. 1 & 2 with Arthur Gaskin and Brian Byrne going down 3-1, Ireland staged a super recovery.

The veteran Steve Richardson was first up to win 3-1, a great win for the 45 yr old. Then it came down to Irish under 19 champion Michael Craig to win it for Ireland with a magnificent 3-0 victory, to secure a final spot vs. Finland on Saturday on countback, 8-7.

This win also gains promotion to Division 1 next season, for Ireland’s men’s team.

Denmark – Ireland: 2-2 – Ireland win on countback 8-7

Match overview

Order	Event	Denmark	–	Ireland	Score	Points			Duration
1	MS1	Kristian Frost	–	Arthur Gaskin	11-8 7-11 11-5 11-6	1-0			1:02
2	MS2	Rasmus Møller	–	Brian O Broin	11-6 11-7 5-11 11-5	1-0			0:52
3	MS3	Morten Sørensen	–	Michael Craig	7-11 8-11 9-11	0-1			0:50
4	MS4	Thomas Laursen	–	Steve Richardson	11-2 5-11 6-11 2-11	0-1			0:43

 

 

Day 2

Both IRELAND men and women’s team are into semi finals tomorrow in the European Championships. IRELAND’S  men beat Sweden this afternoon in a quarter final in Division 2 4-0. having gained enough points the 3rd & 4th matches did not have to be completed as IRELAND were through. They now play Denmark in the semi final tomorrow @ 1pm on Court 5/6. Watch it live see link above.

Sweden – Ireland: 0-4

 

Match overview

Order	Event	Sweden	–	Ireland	Score	Points			Duration
1	MS1	Christian Drakenberg	–	Arthur Gaskin	8-11 3-11 3-11	0-1			0:33
2	MS2	Alex Christenson	–	Brian O Broin	6-11 6-11 6-11	0-1			0:29
3	MS3	Aryan Ahmed	–	Michael Craig	9-11	0-1			0:47
4	MS4	Björn Angtoft	–	Steve Richardson	5-11	0-1			0:38

 

 

Czech Republic – Ireland: [1-3]

 

Match overview

Order	Event	Czech Republic	–	Ireland	Score	Points			Duration
1	MS1	Jan Koukal	–	Arthur Gaskin	11-7 11-9 2-11 0-11 6-11	0-1			1:02
2	MS2	Martin Svec	–	Brian O Broin	6-11 11-4 4-11 9-11	0-1			0:37
3	MS3	Daniel Mekbib	–	Michael Craig	11-9 11-6 11-8	1-0			0:38
4	MS4	Jakub Solnicky	–	Steve Richardson	10-12 11-6 9-11 5-11	0-0			0:45

 

Standings of Men’s Team Division 2 – Group D

		Points	Played	Won	Draws	Lost	Rubbers			Games			Points
1	Ireland	2	1	1	0	0	3	–	1	9	–	7	149	–	128
2	Czech Republic	0	1	0	0	1	1	–	3	7	–	9	128	–	149

Show draw…

WOMEN

Day 4 – Bronze Medal v Denmark

<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10116" title="womens team" src="

Madeline Perry played the ultimate match of her professional Squash career today in Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club in front of an absolutely packed center court. Facing Nicolette Fernandes, the world number 20 from Guyana, there was certainly an air of uncertaintanty whether Madeline would be able to overcome Fernandes, who had looked impressive all week. Nicolette established a lead in game one but Madeline found her range midgame and started wowing the crowd with some excellent shots to the front court. She claimed the first game 11:8 and established a quick 6:0 lead in game two. She never looked back after that and secured the game 11:5. Madeline continued her good play and Nicolette fought back trying to go in short quicker. It worked in parts, but Madeline’s relentless hitting brought her to 10:8 matchball. Fernandes, who gave it her all and dived full-length twice, pulled one point back but Madeline eventually closed out the game 11:9.

Madeline Perry and Ali Farag showing off their trophies with the Egyptian ambassador and main sponsor Rory Gillen of GillenMarkets

In her winning speech, Ireland’s most successful female Squash player was not only awarded a special lifetime award, but also thanked her support from over the years extensively.

“This is one of my favourite events and I want to also thank Nicolette, who is a very fun and fair player, for making it a good final, particularly since it is my very last“, said Perry.

Perry will still be representing Ireland in the European Team Championships in Denmark next week. With Perry Ireland has not faced outside the top 5 in the last ten years, and with today’s form from the final, Perry will remain a tough player to beat.

The men’s final aw a very worth finish to the fabulous week of Squash. Playing in front of the Egyptian ambassador and several countrymen and women, the young Egyptian player overcame Lucas Serme of France in a 81 minute five-set thriller. Farag looked impressive in game one, not only distributing the ball brilliantly, but wowing the crowd with his court coverage. Serme found a way to withhold the pressure in game two, but it was all Farag in game three, which he took convincingly. Game four saw Farag request an injury break at 5:6 down. There was uncertainty whether Farag, who seemed to have taken a slight knock to his calf, could continue, but the crowd was happy to see him continue after an 18 minute break. Serme won game four despite Farag beingtwo points away from matchball, but it was Farag who stormed ahead in game five. Serme fought back from 3:8 down, but in front of a vociferous Egyptian crowd, it was Farag who held his nerve and made his country proud.

Ali Farag, all smiles after his biggest career win, not only thanked the sponsors and organizers, but also paid tribute to Madeline Perry’s great career in his victory speech. “It is so great playing in front of our Egyptian ambassador to Ireland and all the Egyptians who came out to support me today. This title also means a lot, because my fiancé won the title here four years ago!“

The match concluded a great week of Squash, which will stay in memory not only for making the Egyptians very happy, but also for Madeline Perry finishing her career in her typical winning fashion!

Draws & extra coverage

Irish Squash fan’s hearts couldn’t be broken on a night that saw the top two female Irish Squash players face off in the semi-finals of the GillenMarkets Irish Open 2015. Madeline Perry overcame her countrywoman Aisling Blake in four hard-fought games.

She will face Nicolette Fernandes in tomorrow’s final at 3pm in Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club at 3pm. Her last final of her illustrious professional Squash career, which she is ending here in Dublin. Perry has faced Nicolette in this very tournament in 2013, when she won the Irish Open for the last time.

Ali Farag, a happy Egyptian winner!

In the me’s final Lucas Serme of France will face Egyptian hotshot Ali Farag, who upset the number one seed Mazen Hesham by three games to one, in what was probably one of the best matches ever witnessed here in FLTC.

Don’t forget there will be live streaming on sportslive.aertv.ie!

Donna Urquhart (5) v Nicolette Fernandes (2) – 6/11, 8/11, 8/11

Lucas Serme (5) v Paul Coll (Q) 11/6, 11/8, 5/11, 11/4

Madeline Perry (1) v Aislin Blake (7) 7/11, 11/5, 11/6, 11/8

Ali Farag vs Mazen Hesham (1) – 9/11, 11/6, 11/6, 11/7

Link to results & draw.

After the Irish contingent of Squash players being decimated to two in the yesterday’s first round matches, the crowds at Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Center were delighted to see the remaining Irish players – Madeline Perry and Aisling Blake – make it through to the semi-finals.

WOMENS DRAW

MENS DRAW

Madeline Perry, happy after a solid 3:1 win

Perry, playing her last professional Squash tournament, had a tricky challenge playing young American Olivia Blatchford – the same player who had beaten her unexpectedly in last year’s edition. This tie around Perry imposed herself and was up to the challenge, winning by three games to one. “I would have preferred a 3:0 but I’ll take a 3:1 as well. I had a slight drop in concentration in game three – my length dropped which allowed her to play her shots – but then I started in the fourth game really well and closed it out.”

Aisling Blake, the Irish number two, had a tough match on her hands against the number 29 of the women’s world ranking Delia Arnold. Blake put on one of her best performances yet in an Irish Open, and enthralled the crowd with her exceptional backhand drops. Result: and unexcpected yet thoroughly deserved three love victory,

Now the tow Irish ladies face each other in the semis, which guarantees Irish interest in Saturday’s final. Both players supported each other during the respective matches, and Perry.

In the men’s, qualifier Paul Coll is facing Lucas Serme of France, while the two young Egyptians – Ali Farag and number one seed, Mazen Hesham – are due to enthrall crowds with their exciting styles of play.

Action resumes at 5pm in Fitzwilliam, and is streamed live on IRISH SQUASH TV

The Gillenmarkets Squash Irish Open 2015 got off to a cracking start today, and the large crowds at Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club were delighted to see two out of three Irish players make it through to the quarter finals.

Aisling Blake, through to the quarters

Number one seed in the women’s event Madeline Perry – on her ultimate professional Squash tournament – beat qualifier Leonie Holt (ENG) comfortably in three sets. While Perry will be happy with her performance against the young English player, she faces Olivia Blatchford (USA) tomorrow, the same player who beat her in last year’s quarter final. Perry, with twenty years of professional Squash experience, will be well prepared for tomorrow’s match, but acknowledges that the young American player – fresh off a tournament win in Paderborn, Germany – is a very dangerous opponent. Aisling Blake of Ireland also secured her place in the quarterfinals after beating Tamika Saxby from Australia by three games to one. “I was weary of her because I lost in Rotterdam in September to her. So I am delighted to get a win today, and I felt like I knew what I had to do“, said Blake.

No fortune in the men’s event, where Carlowman Arthur Gaskin – the Irish number one – lost to the number one seed Mazen Hesham (world ranking 30) of Egypt in three exciting games. The young Egyptian looked like a future super star and gave Arthur Gaskin, who tried his best, very little to work with.

Tomorrow’s action continues at 12 in Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Center, with live streaming available on sportslive.ie.

Thursday’s Draws 

Mens HERE

Womens HERE

All Ireland Schools Squash Final April 17th 2015

Some left home at 4 am. They loaded on to buses bleary eyed in the dark. They hadn’t slept anyway. They were excited, they were their Provincial Champions, and they were going to Dublin to try to bring back an All Ireland title for their school. The venue , ALSAA, a sports complex beside Dublin Airport convenient to all major routes to Ireland with four squash courts and great facilities.
A squash club is a very quiet place when not being used. Up in the balcony the organisers were busy preparing the schedules and game plans for the day. We heard them before we saw them. At almost 10 am they arrived. They must have jumped out of the buses with their rackets in their hands but we heard bags being dropped excited shouts and soon the familiar sounds of  squash balls hitting walls and white soled runners on wood.
22 teams arrived from all 4 Provinces representing Boys and Girls at u13, u15,u17 and u 19.
Each team consisted of 3 players, each one a Provincial title holder and each ready to play squash all day.
The matches started at 10 am and played right through to 5.30 pm running to a well organised schedule.
Teams were accompanied by mentors, some parents and teachers.
There were some surprises at the end of the long day but generally it was agreed that participating was just as important as winning.
22 teams competed. The schools involved were St Fintans NS, Sutton, Dublin St Fintans High School , Sutton, Dublin, Leugh NS, Thurles, Co Tipperary, CBS Secondary School, Thurles, Co Tipperary, Scoil Phadraig, Westport, Co Mayo, St Colmans Claremorris, Co Mayo, Rice College ,Westport Co Mayo, Methodist College Belfast, Regent House Newtownards, Santa Sabina Girls Secondary School, Sutton, Dublin, Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore, Co Waterford, Muire gan  Smal, Claremorris, Co Mayo, Ballyhaunis Community School, Ballinrobe Community School,and Strathearn College, Belfast.
At 6 pm the courts were quiet again but the following teams had taken the spoils.

Girls u 13 winner St Fintans NS, Grace Lavin,Katie Loughney, Ali Carton.
Runner up Muire gan Smal, Claremorris,Sarah Gannon, Leah Hunt, Ali Whelan.
Girls U15 winner Santa Sabina Sutton, Katherine Bolger, Kelly Byrne,Holly Lavin.
Runner up Are Scoil na Mara, Tramore.?Roisin Kirwan,Jordan Scholtz,Bronagh Coleman.
Girls u 17 winner Strathearn College, Victoria White, Emma McGugan,Alex Gillan.
Runner up Santa Sabina Sutton.Stephanie Ryan,Lauren Smith,Lara Jameson.
No Girls u 19 competition.
Boys u 13 winner St Fintans NS Alex Smith,Dylan Moran,Jake Creaven.
Runner up Scoil Phadraig, Westport.?Connor Calvin,Ray Walsh,Conor Bermingham.
Boys u 15 winner St Fintans High School,Conor Moran,Sam Buckley, Michael Creaven.
Runner up Methodist College Belfast.?Ronan Dravid,James Hunter, Ansh Pajuja.
Boys u 17 winner St Fintans High School, Oisin Dunne, Brian Collins,Frankie O Dea.
Runner up Regent House Newtownards.?Stephen Hearst,Scott McIlhane,Jon McCreedy
Boys u 19 winner Methodist College Belfast Thomas Abrahams,Ellie McVeigh,David Mitchell.
Runner up CBS Thurles Co Tipperary.Declan Rooney,Adam Webb,Conor O Gorman.-

Special thanks to Tommy Maher and his committee for all their hard work in organising this super tournament.