Squash Ireland invites applications from Northern Irish athletes for the Sport Northern Ireland Athlete Awards 2025-26.
The award is designed to help reduce the financial burden of maintaining a professional lifestyle for players with the potential to achieve elite-level success at the Olympic, World and Commonwealth Games level.
For the 2025-26 Athlete Award year, Sport NI will focus on athletes who are on a trajectory toward the LA 2028 Olympic Games and/or can deliver world-class performances at future Commonwealth Games.
Guidance notes are available here—please read carefully.
Application Process:
For any enquiries regarding the suitability of applications, please contact [email protected].
What an unforgettable evening we had yesterday at the Masters Nationals Dinner, where we proudly hosted the 2024 Squash Ireland Awards! Amid great food and great company, we celebrated the outstanding individuals in our squash community—those who achieved remarkable success and made a lasting impact on the sport in 2024.
Joe Ruddy has been awarded Referee of the Year for his outstanding dedication to officiating and mentoring the next generation of referees. His commitment to maintaining high standards, fairness, and professionalism has made a significant impact on the sport. Alongside fellow nominee Dmitry Gilevskiy, Joe has consistently stepped up to ensure smooth-running competitions. His passion for developing others and his unwavering excellence make him a truly deserving recipient of this honor.
Jennifer Dillon has been named Coach of the Year for her groundbreaking contributions to squash coaching and development. A trailblazer in the sport, she has empowered women in coaching, led innovative programs like HIIT Squash, and played a key role in Squash Ireland initiatives. As Europe’s first fully certified female coaching tutor, Jenny has set a new standard for inclusivity and excellence. Her dedication, innovation, and lasting impact on the squash community make her a truly deserving recipient of this honor.
This year’s finalists were Lydia McQuillan, Harry Knox and Danny Lynch, all of whom had fantastic seasons.
However, after an incredible performance that saw him claim the national Boys U19 title and some fantastic performances on the international stage, donning the Irish colours, the award went to Danny Lynch of Galway Lawn Tennis Club.
Hannah Craig has been named Senior Player of the Year for her incredible achievements in Irish squash. In 2024, she became Irish National Champion, helped Ireland win gold at the European Team Championships, and claimed her first PSA Tour title at the Paraguay Squash Open. Her standout performance at the Irish Open, where she upset the #7 seed in front of a home crowd, further cemented her status as a rising star. Though competing abroad this weekend, Hannah’s success, dedication, and impact make her a truly deserving winner.
Mary Sceney has been named Masters Player of the Year for her historic achievements in Irish squash. In 2024, she became Ireland’s only masters world champion, showcasing that age is no barrier to excellence. Despite being based in Australia, Mary has remained a dominant force, winning multiple senior national titles and the Waterford Masters in 2024. Though unable to attend, she expressed deep gratitude for the honor. Her remarkable accomplishments, dedication, and humility make her a truly deserving recipient.
Peter O’Halloran was honored with the President’s Award for his longstanding dedication to Squash Ireland and Squash Leinster. A key figure in the development of Irish Squash first and Squash Ireland after, Peter played a pivotal role in shaping the past and future of our association. As part of the strategic development team, he helped pave the way for a more professional and structured organization at national and provincial level. His experience, commitment, and passion have made a lasting impact on the squash community, and this award is a well-deserved tribute to his invaluable contributions.
Mark McKane has been named Volunteer of the Year for his unwavering dedication to growing squash in his community. As the driving force behind New Ballymena Squash Club, he has expanded membership, advocated for new facilities, and introduced countless young players to the sport through outreach programs. His tireless efforts, from organizing leagues to securing local support, have ensured that squash continues to thrive in Ballymena. Mark’s passion, leadership, and commitment make him a truly deserving recipient of this award.
In4Squash has been named Club of the Year for its incredible impact on the squash community. As Ireland’s only LGBTQIA+ squash club, it has doubled its membership, competed internationally, and launched inclusive initiatives such as coaching programs for women and non-binary people, and outreach for asylum seekers. Despite not having a permanent home, the club continues to thrive, proving that a club is built on its people, not just its facilities. With plans to host the European LGBTQIA+ Squash Tournament, In4Squash is shaping the future of the sport with passion, inclusivity, and innovation.
Squash Ireland joins Sport Ireland in celebration of WIS Week 2025 from March 3rd to 9th, with theme “Accelerate Action—Collectively, we can Accelerate Action for gender equality.”
“Women in Sport Week aims to increase visibility for women in sport and highlight initiatives that support their participation, leadership, and overall involvement in sports at all levels.” – Sport Ireland
We invite all our members to register and participate in events and workshops to support females in different roles.
For COACHES and LEADERS working with female players:
“Coaching The Female Athlete” Online Workshop – Tuesday March 4th 8-9pm
Targeting coaches of female athletes, explore some of the key knowledge gaps in relation to female athletes, including topics such as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and body image.
For TEENAGE GIRLS PLAYERS, PARENTS, COACHES
Her Moves “Supporting Teenage Girls in Sport” Online Workshop – Wednesday March 5th, 7.30-8.30pm
Open to any teenage girl, coaches, parents, teachers etc, topics include menstruation, body image and selecting the right sports bra.
For FEMALE OFFICIALS and women interested in officiating
“Breaking Barriers: Women in Officiating” Online Workshop – Thursday March 6th, 8-9pm
Targeting female officials, topics include challenges, achievements, and future opportunities for women officiating in sport.
For FEMALE COACHES, VOLUNTEERS, OFFICIALS, COMMITTEE MEMBERS
“Racket Sports Women In Sport Leadership Day” – Saturday March 8th 2-6pm, Galway LTC
Aimed at women involved in Squash who aspire to lead; whether that be through coaching, volunteering, serving on a club or provincial committee or as a technical official/referee. This event will feature a 2-hour networking session, including a Masterclass on our new HiiT Squash programme for women, led by Squash Ireland Coach Developer Jennifer Dillon. Guest speaker, Bernard Hanratty will discuss the role of male allyship in achieving gender balance, followed by a panel discussion. In the afternoon, Galway LTC will host an open day from 4.00pm-6.00pm, inviting the public to “Come & Try” each of the four racket sports
Squash Ireland is delighted to announce the Squash Ireland Awards 2024, a night dedicated to honouring the outstanding achievements and contributions within our squash community. This prestigious event will bring together players, coaches, referees, volunteers, and clubs to celebrate excellence across all levels of the sport.
Date: Saturday, 1st March 2025
Venue: Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club, Dublin
Occasion: Masters Nationals Dinner
The evening will feature the announcement of category winners, including the highly anticipated Overall Club of the Year and the special President’s Award. It promises to be a fantastic celebration of the dedication, hard work, and passion that drive Irish squash forward.
This special evening will not only celebrate this year’s finalists and winners but also highlight the passion and commitment that make Irish squash so exceptional. It is an opportunity to recognise those who have gone above and beyond for the sport, both on and off the court.
To secure a place, purchase your ticket at the link here above before Tuesday February 25th.
Finalists are:
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.
Squash Ireland is delighted to announce the appointment of David Noone as Junior Performance Coach and Michael Conroy as Junior Development Coach. Both coaches will assume their roles immediately as part of Squash Ireland’s commitment to enhancing its high-performance structures. Squash Ireland’s National Coaches will be engaging with players and parents regarding squad sessions and preparations for upcoming international tournaments
The positions attracted applications from around the world, making for a highly competitive selection process.
David Noone – Junior Performance Coach (U19 & U17)
A Level 3 WSF-certified coach, David Noone brings extensive experience in coaching national champions and international competitors. David has been involved in Squash Ireland’s national coaching setup since 2015, playing a pivotal role in producing some of the most successful junior players. His work with the Irish junior squads has led to podium finishes at the Junior European Championships, including two silvers and a bronze.
In addition to his national coaching duties, David has served as the Head Coach and Performance Director at Galway Lawn Tennis Club, where he has built a thriving junior programme. He has also played a role in organising Professional Squash Association (PSA) events, helping to raise the profile of Irish squash internationally.
Michael Conroy – Junior Development Coach (U15 & U13)
Michael’s passion for coaching blossomed early, as he guided players of all ages, from primary school students to adult club competitors. Michael has extensive experience of working with young people operating his own coaching programme at Leinster Cricket Club and developing squash talent across Dublin. His academic background in strength and conditioning, periodisation, and nutrition enhances his coaching effectiveness, particularly with the Irish U17 National Junior Team, which he had coached at the European Championships since 2022.
Squash Ireland CEO, Scott Graham, emphasised the importance of these appointments.
“Developing our high-performance structures from junior to senior elite level has been a high priority for Squash Ireland. We were delighted to appoint Arthur Gaskin as Head Coach in November 2024, and we have moved quickly to bolster our high-performance unit with two further part-time junior coaches.
“Both David and Michael are passionate about squash in Ireland and are fully committed to supporting and developing young squash players across the island of Ireland. I am really looking forward to seeing the high-performance structures continue to develop under Arthur’s leadership, with the support of David, Michael, and all the coaches working with Irish players.”
Squash Ireland Head Coach, Arthur Gaskin, added:
“I couldn’t be more excited about the appointments of David and Michael and the opportunity to start working together. Both coaches will add immense value to the HP structures, are dedicated to their craft, and are committed to helping students become the best version of themselves.”
Squash Ireland has published an updated Code of Conduct along with a suite of related policies, including the Grievance, Complaints and Disciplinary Policy; Anti-Bullying Policy; and Diversity, Equity, Anti-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment Policy.
To lead this review, Squash Ireland engaged SOS Sports Consult, a specialist sports governance consultancy owned and operated by Sarah O’Shea. Sarah is a qualified lawyer with an International Master’s in Sports Law and Management (FIFA Master) from the International Centre for Sport Studies (CIES). Sarah has many years of experience working with a range of sports governing bodies in Ireland and internationally.
The review of the Code of Conduct and related policies aligns with the regular review cycle of Squash Ireland’s policies and procedures. It also supports Squash Ireland’s strategic objective to adhere to the highest sports governance standards and practices.
We are delighted to announce the launch of the Squash Ireland Awards 2024, celebrating the incredible contributions, achievements, and dedication within our squash community. These awards honour individuals and clubs who have made a significant impact in the squash community over the past year.
Nominations are now open for the following categories:
A special President’s Award for 2024 will also be presented on the night, chosen personally by the President of Squash Ireland to honour an individual who has made an extraordinary impact on the sport.
We invite all members to recognise the talent, dedication, and effort that make squash in Ireland so special. Whether it’s a coach who inspires greatness, a volunteer who gives selflessly, or a player whose achievements light up the court, we want to hear from you.
You can submit multiple nominations per category and across different categories.
Submit your nominations here: https://forms.gle/AQDS7SxTq1wnVRGn9
The nomination window closes on 14th February 2024. Finalists will be announced on 21st February 2024, and winners will be revealed during an awards dinner at the Masters Nationals on 1st March 2024 in Fitzwilliam. Winners will receive a stunning engraved Dublin Crystal trophy as a token of their exceptional contribution.
Join us in celebrating the people and clubs who make our great Irish squash clubs. Let’s come together to recognise their achievements and inspire the future of our sport.
Submit your nominations today and be part of this special celebration.
Squash Ireland is seeking a dedicated Safeguarding & Disciplinary Officer to oversee and enhance the organisation’s safeguarding and disciplinary policies. This part-time role (approx. equivalent to 1 day per week) involves ensuring compliance with safeguarding legislation in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, coordinating training, conducting audits, and acting as the Designated Liaison Person for safeguarding concerns. The successful candidate will also manage disciplinary cases, review policies, and promote a culture of safety and integrity within the sport.
Key Responsibilities
Key Skills and Qualifications
Essential:
Desirable:
Further Information
The appointment will be made subject to satisfactory:
How to Apply?
Applications must be sent by email with the subject line: [ATTN: Safeguarding & Disciplinary Officer]. 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 12th of February 2025, to Squash Ireland CEO Scott Graham at [email protected].
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.
Following the appointment of a Head Coach in November 2024, Squash Ireland is further developing the high performance unit seeking to appoint a Junior Performance Coach and Junior Development Coach to oversee the junior performance programme and develop a pathway for developing world-class talent.
Squash Ireland is the National Governing Body for Squash on the island of Ireland. The organisation has experienced significant growth with the number of affiliated clubs, members, coaches, tournaments, and leagues increasing. A major restructuring has also taken place with the move to a strategically focused board of directors and growth in staffing from two to eight over the past 18 months.
The inclusion of squash in the LA 2028 Olympics has injected new energy and focused attention on developing a world-class high-performance programme to nurture talent and provide players with the necessary support to compete at European, World and Olympic level. Squash Ireland players have reached the pinnacle of the sport and there is a proud history of Irish players competing at the highest levels of the game.
The Junior Performance Coach and the Junior Development Coach positions are initially offered on a 12-month fixed-term contract, with the possibility of an extension and expansion of the role.
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 22nd of January 2025 to Squash Ireland at [email protected].
For more information:
