Squash Ireland has launched a new Patrons Programme, providing an opportunity for individuals or businesses to invest in supporting elite Irish players on their path to qualify for future Olympic Games and win medals at European Championships.
The fundraiser is also committed to growing the game at the grassroots level and fostering a thriving junior squash scene.
“The launch of our Patrons Programme has the potential to be transformative for Squash Ireland and our aspiring players,” explained Scott Graham, the Squash Ireland CEO.
“We have made huge progress in recent years at both high-performance and grassroots levels, but private support will be crucial in helping us take the sport to the next level, complementing the increased government funding that Squash Ireland has secured.
“Contributions from our Patrons will directly support the development of our elite and pathway players as they aim for European medals and future Olympic qualification, while also ensuring that young people across Ireland have the opportunity to discover and enjoy squash.
“We are deeply grateful to our current Patrons for their generosity. Their contributions are helping our top players climb the PSA World Rankings and enabling our teams to compete on the international stage.
“With a newly launched Junior Performance Academy, increased coaching capacity and a proud history of success at the highest levels of the game, we have a great opportunity to build a world-class high-performance programme.
“We aim to further develop our Patrons Programme over time with special events and recognition for those who give so generously to squash.”
Squash Ireland’s Patrons Programme
Squash Ireland has launched a new Patrons Programme, providing an opportunity for individuals or businesses that share our values to make a meaningful contribution to the future of squash.
As the National Governing Body for squash on the island of Ireland, Squash Ireland has developed rapidly in recent years, including being shortlisted for National Governing Body of the Year in both 2023 and 2024.
Several exciting programmes are being rolled out at both high-performance and grassroots levels, and government funding has increased considerably, serving as a welcome endorsement of Squash Ireland’s strategic direction.
That said, financial gifts and donations will have a transformative impact, helping to elevate the sport to the next level.
Tax Relief on Donations
Talk to us about the potential for tax relief on donations to the Squash Ireland Performance Programme, including direct grants to elite players. Contact Squash Ireland CEO, Scott Graham, at [email protected]
Join Our Patrons Programme
We currently offer two programmes for those who would like to support Squash Ireland as Patrons. Your contribution will be hugely appreciated. Ideally, we are seeking multi-annual donations to allow for improved programme planning.
1) Senior Elite & Junior Performance Academy Programme
Support elite Irish players on their path to qualify for future Olympic Games and win medals at European Championships.
Your support will provide high-potential players with access to world-class coaching and services, enabling them to compete in crucial international events, develop as elite players, and ultimately secure their place at the Olympics and medal at the European Championships Division 1.
The Squash Ireland High Performance Strategy 2024-2028 outlines our ambitious targets in this area.
Funds raised will go towards:
2) Squash Ireland Junior Participation Programme
Squash Ireland is committed to growing the game at the grassroots level and fostering a thriving junior squash scene.
This programme aims to safeguard the future of squash by developing the next generation of players. Your support will help Squash Ireland to appoint squash activation officers focused on growing junior participation by introducing squash to clubs, schools, third-level institutions, and community groups.
Funds raised will go towards:
Find out more or donate:
Speak with Squash Ireland CEO, Scott Graham, [email protected] / 086 021 1146.
Irish Squash Federation
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Eight clubs have already completed the 2025/26 affiliation process, taking advantage of the early bird rate €120/£110 before the October 1st deadline.
There is a key change this year for players – you must have a valid competitive membership to participate in any Squash Ireland-sanctioned leagues or tournaments.
This regulation comes into force from October 1st, and players can affiliate through their clubs or directly themselves via SportyHQ.
Squash Ireland said: “By affiliating your club and yourself, you gain access to important benefits like insurance coverage and funding eligibility for clubs and discounted training courses for players.
“Complete your affiliation today to ensure your eligibility and to secure all the benefits for the upcoming season.”
Squash Ireland is participating in X4 Rackets, a combined four-racket female sports event in County Cavan on September 27th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.
It’s a unique leadership and participation event for women and girls of all ages hosted by Cavan Sports Partnership in collaboration with Squash Ireland, Table Tennis Ireland, Badminton Ireland and Tennis Ireland.
The Ballyconnell Community Centre meet-up is a Women-in-Sport-funded four-sport initiative. It will hear from several guest speakers on topics related to leadership, self-empowerment and volunteering.
There will also be an opportunity to try out all four racket sports and connect with like-minded coaches, players and volunteers. Signing up in advance is essential, and a goodie bag will be provided.
Breanne Flynn will be the lone Irish interest in Friday’s IACT Fitzwilliam Ladies Open quarter-finals following Thursday’s round of 16 matches.
Seeded No.3 for the 16-player PSA Satellite tournament, Flynn needed just 17 minutes to run up a 3-0 win over fellow Irish player Shriya Drawid to get her campaign up and running.
She now faces Polly Clark, a 3-0 winner over Zoe Yeomans, who represented Ireland at the recent World Squash Junior Championships in Cairo.
There were six Irish players in total at the start line, and the remaining three – Hannah McGugan and Lydia McQuillan – all made 0-3 exits.
Seven of the eight round of 16 matches at the Fitzwilliam went to seeding, with the only upset result being the 1-3 defeat for the No.7 ranked Ana Munos by Robyn McAlpine, the former Irish Junior Open winner from Scotland.
PSA Satellite IACT Fitzwilliam Ladies Open – Round of 16 results
Elise Romba [1] WON 3-0 (11-1, 11-3, 11-3) v Francesca Whyte
Ellie Breach [6] WON 3-0 (11-7, 11-6, 11-7) v Hannah McGugan
Ana Munos [7] LOST 1-3 (9-11, 11-7, 9-11, 7-11) v Robyn McAlpine
Erin Classen [4] WON 3-0 (11-2, 11-2, 11-3) v Lydia McQuillan
Breanne Flynn [3] WON 3-0 (11-6, 11-0, 11-2) v Shriya Drawid
Polly Clark [8] WON 3-0 (11-7), 11-4), 11-3) v Zeo Yeomans
Karolina Sramkova [5] WON 3-0 (11-1, 12-10, 11-4) v Tereza Siroka
Isabel McCullough [2] WON 3-0 (11-4, 11-0, 11-4) v Ella Walsh
Quarter-final fixtures
Romba [1] v Breach [6] – Friday, 1:45pm
McAlpine v Classen [4] – Friday, 1pm
Flynn [3] v Clark [8] – Friday, 1pm
Sramkova [5] v McCullough [2] – Friday, 1:45pm
The Federation of Irish Sport, the voice of Irish sport, has called for a decisive Budget 2026 commitment from Government to secure the role of sport in Ireland as a driver of health, community, and economic growth.
In its 2026 pre-budget submission, the Federation of set out the case for sustainable investment to safeguard and grow the sector.
The primary ask of Government is for a 10 per cent Compound Increase in Core Funding from 2025-2028. The National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) are the engines of citizens’ engagement with and continued participation in sport.
A multi-annual increase in Core Funding will provide stability and financial clarity for NGBs and LSPs to plan for long term development. This will have a direct impact on improving public health and well-being and foster social inclusion, while also driving economic growth and increased tax revenues.
The second key Ask for Sport in Budget 2026 is for a government commitment to research and publish a report on an additional one per cent betting levy for sport. The creation of an additional one per cent levy would yield approximately €40-50million extra per annum for sports.
The Federation is calling on Government to undertake a formal assessment of the proposed additional one per cent levy, with a view to designating the additional revenue specifically for participation and community sport.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, said: “The Government has the power to make a meaningful impact on the sports sector in Ireland by recognising Sport’s social, health, and economic value and to prioritise core funding for long term impact. Return on investment is clear: for every €100 invested in sport the return is €209.
“While investment by Government in Sport and Physical Activity has increased significantly over the lifetime of the National Sports Policy, it is time for sport funding in Ireland to be in line with our European counterparts and match the EU average.
“With the current National Sports Policy in its final two years, we want Government to recognise Sport as a public good within national policy going forwards. Backing sport means backing communities all over the country.”
The Federation of Irish Sport – the voice of Irish sport – represents 110 member organisations, comprising over 13,000 clubs. There are an estimated 2.09m active participants in sport and physical activity and the value of Sport to the Irish economy is €3.7bn (GVA).
Squash Ireland has published the 2025/26 international season selection policies for senior and junior players. The selection panels are seeking to select the strongest possible team for international representation. Here is an overview:
Junior Selection Policy
The selection panel consists of the Head Coach, Junior Performance Coach and Junior Development Coach.
There is no requirement to have competed on the Irish tour for two or more seasons to be eligible for selection.
The U23 National Championships has been added to the compulsory tournament list for U19 players seeking World Team Championship selection. This provides the selection panel with an opportunity to assess the players’ form closer to the World Championships.
Playing up an age group is again permitted. However, it will require written permission from the selection panel. The selection panel has a strong desire for players to compete within their own age group, so the number of players permitted to play up will likely decrease.
Senior Selection Policy
The minimum age for selection to a senior team has increased from 14 to 16 years of age. While there is no specific minimum age for squash at the Olympic Games, this change aligns with Olympic selection policy norms.
The number of compulsory domestic tournaments for top-ranked PSA players has been tiered depending on PSA ranking. Top 100-ranked players are only required to compete at the National Championship, for example.
This encourages top-ranked players to prioritise improving their PSA World Ranking and is aligned with the High Performance Strategy. Essentially, we want more players ranked inside the top 100 of the PSA World Rankings and are encouraging players to pursue this.
The Head Coach has been added to the selection panels and will chair both the men’s and women’s selection panels. Other members of the panel remain unchanged.
(Various sections have been added and updated, including anti-doping, communication to be directed to staff, and reasons for de-selection. These are largely mirrored in both the Junior and Senior policies)
The full line-up has been confirmed for this week’s IACT Fitzwilliam Ladies Open, with Irish trio Shriya Drawid, Zoe Yeomans and Ella Walsh added to the three-day event starting this Thursday, September 4th.
When the draw was originally published for the 16-player, $3,000 PSA Satellite event, three vacancies were left for wildcards in the bottom half of the draw, and they have now been filled.
Belfast BC player Shriya Drawid will take on event No.4 seed Breanne Flynn, the PSA No.129-ranked player from Sutton, at 7:30pm on Thursday, while two of Flynn’s clubmates have also been added to the draw.
Zeo Yeomans, who represented Ireland at the recent World Squash Junior Championships in Cairo, will play No.8 seed Polly Clark, the PSA No.178 from England, at 7:30pm Thursday.
Meanwhile, Ella Walsh, another of the Irish contingent from the Junior Championships in Egypt, faces Isabel McCullough, the PSA No.141, who is seeded No.2 at the Fitzwilliam. That match will start at 8:15pm on Thursday.
Elise Romba, the PSA No.121 from France, is seeded No.1 in Dublin. She begins with a round of 16 tie at 6pm Thursday against Francesca Whyte, the PSA No.283 from England.
Awaiting the winner is a quarter-final clash on Friday against whoever comes through the tie featuring Hannah McGugan, the PSA No.253 from Ireland, and Ellie Breach, the PSA No.155 from Wales.
Elsewhere in the top half of the draw, Lydia McQuillan, the 2025 U19 Italian Open winner from Lisburn, will play Erin Classen, the PSA No.162 from Australia, who is seeded fourth in Dublin.
Upwards of 70 players from across Europe will play in Ireland next month in the fourth edition of the LGBTQIA+ Squash European Open.
Berlin, Amsterdam and Paris were previous hosts for the tournament that will now be organised by the Dublin-based In4Squash club, staged at Sutton LTC on September 19th/20th, and supported by estate agency MoveHome.ie.
In4Squash club chair Lorcan Walsh said: “We are thrilled to welcome LGBTQIA+ squash players from across Europe to Dublin. Over the last year, the club has gone from strength to strength, notably joining the Leinster League for the first time.
“Hosting the European Open is another milestone for the club and its supporters. This event is not just a tournament. It’s a vibrant celebration of sport, community, and inclusion.”
Delighted that the Squash Ireland club of the year won the hosting rights for the 2025 edition, Squash Ireland president Rosie Barry added: “In4Squash, the LGBTQIA+ squash club, continues to grow and thrive, as evident in their hosting the LGBTQIA+ Squash European Open this September.
“Squash Ireland extends a warm welcome to all participants and thanks to Sutton LTC for providing a wonderful venue for this event.”
Squash Ireland CEO Scott Graham said: “Squash Ireland is committed to creating a healthy, sporting environment and a supportive community for LGBTQ+ players, coaches, referees and supporters.
“We are delighted that In4Squash is hosting the European LGBTQIA+ Open, an event that celebrates inclusion and brings our sport to a wider audience.”
Ireland’s leading men’s players, Conor Moran and Sam Buckley, will begin the new PSA season at next month’s Helsinki Challenger.
A prize of $12,000 is on the line at the 24-player event in Finland, and both Irish have been given winnable round of 32 matches at opposite ends of the draw.
Moran, the current PSA No.181 rank, will start his campaign with a September 9th meeting with Christopher Gordon, the American who is ranked seven places below in 188th.
Victory in this opener would secure a round of 16 clash the following day with Edwin Clain of France, the PSA No.81, who is seeded No.4 in Finland.
Buckley, the PSA No.123, is also in round of 32 action on September 9th, but in the bottom half of the draw. He has been paired against England’s Jared Carter, the PSA No.193.
At stake is a round of 16 meeting with Ben Smith, another English player who is the PSA No.90 rank. He is seeded fifth for Helsinki.
Top seeds at the tournament are No.1 Rory Stewart, the Scot who is PSA No.54, and No.2 Toufik Mekhalfi, the PSA No.71 from France.
Breanne Flynn will lead Irish hopes at the upcoming IACT Fitzwilliam Ladies Open. The Irish No.2 has been seeded No.4 for next week’s 14-player, $3,000 PSA Satellite event in Dublin.
Flynn, the current PSA No.129 who finished 25th at last weekend’s European Championships in France, currently has a round of 16 bye.
Unless a wildcard is added, she will start her campaign on day two – September 5th – in the round of eight against the winner of the September 4th encounter between England’s Polly Clark, the PSA No.178, or Australia’s Erin Classen, the PSA No.162, who is the fifth seed at Fitzwilliam.
Competing in the lower half of the draw, Flynn could face No.2 seed Ali Loke, the PSA No.132, in the semi-finals. Loke is the other player who currently doesn’t have a round of 16 opponent.
Elise Romba, the PSA No.121 from France, is seeded No.1 in Dublin. She begins with a round of 16 tie against Francesca Whyte, the PSA No.283 from England.
The winner will play either Hannah McGugan, the PSA No.253 from Ireland, or Ellie Breach, the PSA No.155 from Wales.
Elsewhere, Lydia McQuillan, the 2025 U19 Italian Open winner from Lisburn, faces England’s Isabel McCullough, the PSA No.141, who is seeded third at the Fitzwilliam.
