For all results from the IRISH JUNIOR OPEN see HERE. 

Madeline Perry Testimonial

Irish Squash are delighted with the successful testimonial event that was hosted in Fitzwilliam LTC on Saturday November 22^nd. The day started with a Junior Clinic run by Madeline and her good friend, Alison Waters (current world number 7). Six promising juniors from the Mount Pleasant stable were put through their paces by the 2 women for an intense 80 minutes. The juniors worked hard and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being coached by 2 top female athletes who were impressed by how quickly their tips were put  into practice by the players.

Squash supporters from all over the country (Belfast to Castleisland) had travelled to see our most successful female player ever in action in 2 exhibition matches. Looking as fit as ever, Madeline firstly took on Sarah Jane Perry (no relation!) from Birmingham, current world number 12. It was a closely contested affair with remarkable athleticism and skilful play from both women. Our number 1 player emerged victorious in 4 sets after a genuinely competitive match.

Madeline paired up with Derek Ryan (former world number 7) against Sarah Jane and Brian Byrne (current Irish number 2) in the mixed doubles event. The first set was an amazing display of speed and agility around the court by all 4 players; the second set was highlighted by the dexterity and shot-making skills of each player. It was a truly entertaining display of top class squash and fittingly, Madeline and Derek were worthy winners.

A buffet meal was then served to a crowded dining room with entertainment in the form of goodwill messages from around the world to Madeline on video- Jenny Duncalf, Sarah Kippax, Alison Waters, Aisling Blake and Nicol David being the main contributors.

Mark Kelly, CEO of Squash Link, the charity partner for the testimonial, spoke about his aim of developing an urban squash program in Dublin which combines squash coaching with educational mentoring and support for disadvantaged schoolchildren. He thanked Madeline for her support of the charity as it kick starts its activities at ESB Sportsco in Dublin 2.

Gar Holohan, President of Irish Squash, congratulated Madeline on her stellar career: winning the 2008 British Open (beating Nicol David in the quarter finals), winning the Australian Open in 2010, reaching number 3 in the world in 2011, accumulating 15 Irish National titles and finishing with a win at her last event as a professional player, the 2015 Irish Open.

Gar then conducted an auction of sporting memorabilia, concert tickets, fine wines and much more which was well supported by local bidders and online contributions.

Finally, Madeline spoke about her pride in her achievements as a squash player which she had not given much consideration to beforehand, but was brought home to her in front of the crowd of wellwishers in attendance at the testimonial. She thanked her family and all those who had supported her throughout her career.

Thankfully, Madeline has not retired from domestic squash and will be available for selection on the Irish team for some time yet.

Irish Squash wish her every success in the next phase of her career.

Madeline has been Ireland’s most successful women’s player, having played professionally since 1999. She reached a career high world ranking of Number 3 in 2010. She stayed top 10 in the world rankings for most of her professional career, right up to her retirement this year. She played for IRELAND over 130 times and won a silver and bronze medal with Ireland in the European Team Championships within the last 3 years, along with Laura Mylotte, Ciara Moloney & Aisling Blake.

Indeed she is one of Ireland’s most successful Sportswomen and has been a monthly winner of the Irish Times Sportswomen Awards 8 times out the last 10 years. She won the award for May this year, having won the Irish Open again (for the 6th time) in April and the European Bronze. In February she won her 15th national title, a truly amazing achievement.

Saturday 21st November @ Fitzwilliam LTC, Dublin is the date & venue. A match vs the World No. 12 Sarah Jane Perry of England is the main event, with a mixed doubles match, also involving Brian Byrne & Derek Ryan, taking place after the singles game. All the squash is followed by a buffet meal with the evening finished off with a auction of sporting memorabilia.

Tickets are €30/£25 and can purchased at the desk in Fitzwilliam

After the squash and the meal on Saturday evening at 7.30/8pm, an auction will be held with an array of sporting items signed by some of the top squash players in the world and some of Ireland’s top sports stars, including Johnny Sexton, Padraig Harrington & Rory McIlroy. We also have some weekend breaks in Belfast along with some cherised concert tickets and much more. Details below.

Leinster Senior Open 2015

Live Streaming HERE

Draws/Results HERE

With 10 Irish Juniors playing in Herentals, in the Flemish part of Belgium this weekend – 6-8th Nov ’15, they included;

The Irish players all did superbly. Ireland had 3 podiums – Conor Moran won the Boys U15 without dropping a set, Alex Smith got to the final of the U13 where he did very well but just lost out and Luke Logan came 3rd in the U17’s. Another 3 players got top 10. So well done to all the Irish Players.

FULL RESULTS: HERE

Picture of the 3 Boys – L/R – Luke, Alex & Conor, who got podium with their coach Eoin Ryan.

Come back later for many more pictures of all the players.

Check on IRISH SQUASH Twitter & Facebook pages for posts & pictures from the tournament.

ISEA: Enrichment, Education, Equality

ISEA (Irish Squash and Education Association) is a newly founded youth enrichment non-profit organization that launched its flagship programme ‘Squash Link’ in Ringsend, Dublin 4 on November 2^nd. Squash Link is committed to enhancing the future of underserved children by building life skills through squash, education and extracurricular activities. It is strongly influenced by the urban squash model – flourishing throughout the USA and now firmly established in Canada, Columbia, India and South Africa – by offering a unique mentoring programme, helping students build confidence and learn essential life skills

Squash Link is inspired by a community outreach and engagement initiative first introduced by Trinity Squash in 2012 – a programme which saw the introduction of squash to local inner city children whilst also offering Trinity students coaching qualifications.

Up to 150 local primary and secondary school students will be attending SPORTSCO in Ringsend throughout November and December. SPORTSCO is a leading leisure centre and its facilities include three competition standard squash courts. During this period, Squash Link – a first of its kind in Ireland – will be working very closely with local schools in selecting 12 students to participate. As with any challenging after-school initiative, attrition will be inevitable and therefore 12 reserve places will also be offered. The reserve students will be invited along to training sessions and events throughout the year with the promise of joining the programme at a later date.

All involved with ISEA believe passionately in equality of educational opportunity. Where students lack adequate encouragement, confidence and support from their surrounding social environments, Squash Link is ultimately driven by the goal of giving these children the tools to shine both on and off the court by instilling in them the integrity and character to become caring, active and productive members of their communities as adults.

The question of why children drop out of education is inextricably tied to our knowledge about why children do not learn – explanations which include poverty, low attendance and negative peer influences. Programmes such as Squash Link rely on the value and importance of human connection, on relationships. Everyone involved or wanting to get involved with ISEA passionately embraces the reality that no significant learning occurs without significant relationships and understanding. Squash Link’s edifice is therefore one built on this imperative to understand the needs of underserved children defenselessly at risk of leaving school early.

Get involved

If you want to inspire positive health and lifestyle outcomes, improve levels of socio-emotional responsibility and facilitate character development, life-long learning and leadership skills for the benefit of underserved children, Squash Link would love to hear from you. You can find out more about the programme at www.squashlink.org. ISEA will in due course be offering training and orientation programmes for anyone who would like to consider a commitment to our mission and vision.

We have an outstanding voluntary board of world class squash players, educators and business people all devoting their time and energy to the Squash Link cause. If excited by the prospect of engaging with us, simply get in touch. We are seeking highly motivated students and professionals wanting to be a part of this unique offering.

To register your interest, please email: [email protected].

The Munster Junior Invitational 2015 entry is now open on Tournament Software.
The tournament is for Munster Juniors and will take place on Saturday, November 7 to Sunday, November 8.

It will take place in Thurles Squash Club. Contact Gerry Connaughton (0872634313) for any queries.

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the marathon Squash Cycle around Dublin last weekend. Skerries local paper picked up on the event – and you can read the article here.

ULSTER JUNIOR OPEN 17/18th October Belfast Boat Club, – Results here 

Go to twitter.com/IrishSquash for some pictures.