Squash courts at Limerick Lawn Tennis Club were filled with energy, movement, music and laughter this week as 15 teenage girls took part in the DISCO Squash HER MOVES programme.
Organised by club squash coach Avril Cairns in collaboration with Squash Ireland, and funded by Sport Ireland’s HER MOVES initiative, the programme welcomed girls aged 13-16 who were completely new to squash.
Over the five days from Monday, June 30, to Friday, July 4, they enjoyed a blend of squash skill-building sessions mixed with fun, creative and confidence-boosting activities such as Zumba, aerobics, yoga, crafts and Tabata workouts.
The week finished on a high with the squash court transformed into a glow-in-the-dark discotheque with UV lights, fluorescent decorations, neon balls, rackets and the girls’ custom-designed T-shirts made earlier in the week.
They played matches under the lights to the beat of their self-chosen playlist, creating an electric atmosphere that perfectly captured the spirit of the programme.
The DISCO Squash programme is rooted in the HER MOVES pillars, which aim to:
Every part of the week in Limerick was designed with these values in mind – from the inclusive games on court to the arts and movement sessions that brought the group together.
This programme was about more than just squash. It was about fun, freedom, friendship and giving girls a chance to shine.
The Dublin Pride parade is the highlight of Pride Month. In 2024, In4Squash Dublin, Ireland’s LGBTQ+ Squash Club, proudly marched as a group for the first time. Join us Saturday 28 June as we continue our new tradition of marching together.
The parade starts at 12.30 pm and lasts approximately 2 hours, marching from O’Connell St to Merrion Square. All friends and allies of In4Squash Dublin LGBTQIA+ community are welcome to join us.
If you are interested in participating in the march, please register here so we have an idea of numbers and can coordinate our participation.
Registration https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdg28Go5I-K5XrTk_fwwyWTDONFFUl8xkWhYAcWxjaEr_TpoQ/viewform
In4Squash are also hosting the International LGBTQIA+ Squash European Open and registration is going strong. All levels are welcome and please reach out directly or head to www.in4squash.ie for more information.
Friday/Saturday, September 19th/20th
Sutton LTC
Their club tournament will be held later in the Summer and dates will be announced shortly.
Squash Ireland is now inviting expressions of interest from grassroots squash coaches to join an exciting Erasmus+ mobility programme in Amsterdam this October.
As part of our Erasmus+ project focused on coach education and inclusion, a group of 8 coaches will travel to Amsterdam from 5th–11th October 2025 to take part in a week-long job-shadowing programme with some of Europe’s leading squash coaches, including Rich King, a very well renowned and respected figure in squash coaching.
This is a fully funded opportunity, designed to upskill Irish coaches, strengthen grassroots development, and build sustainable, inclusive participation programmes.
We want to hear from grassroots squash coaches across Ireland who are passionate about inclusion and development. We welcome coaches of all backgrounds. Participants will represent all four provinces (excluding NI), and a preparatory visit will be arranged for two staff members in the lead-up to ensure everything is in place.
If you’re interested, please complete the short Expression of Interest Form by 20th June.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Please note – as this is European Commission funding, this opportunity is only open to Republic of Ireland coaches
HiiT Squash is an innovative fitness-focused squash programme developed by Coach Developer Jennifer Dillon and Physiotherapist Derek Ryan, that combines High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with squash skills to create an engaging and high-energy experience. The sessions are designed to be accessible for beginners while still challenging enough for those with more experience. It’s a brilliant way to introduce new women to the sport while promoting fitness and community within your club.
Programme Details:
The HiiT Squash 6-week Programme is fully developed and available for download on the Squash Ireland website.
A key objective of the Sport Ireland Funds is to support programmes that become self-sustainable over time. We encourage clubs to consider options to fund the programme independently once the grant period ends. You can download our Toolkit for Programme Sustainability for some ideas. We are happy to support clubs in developing sustainability strategies and provide guidance on effective community engagement.
Squash Ireland is proud to launch HIIT Squash, an exciting new initiative designed specifically to increase female participation in squash through a fun, welcoming, and accessible programme that blends high-intensity fitness with squash-based skills and games.
The development of HIIT Squash was funded through Sport Ireland’s Women in Sport programme, in response to the clear need for more inclusive entry points for women in squash. Currently, just 23% of squash participants in Ireland are women, a figure Squash Ireland is determined to change.
Delivered over six weeks, HIIT Squash combines short bursts of high-energy movement with simple squash drills in a supportive, social setting. Whether participants are trying squash for the first time or returning after a break, the sessions are designed to build confidence, fitness, and connection, without needing prior experience.
Speaking on the launch, Squash Ireland CEO Scott Graham said:
“Increasing the number of women and girls in squash is a key strategic priority for us. Thanks to the support of Sport Ireland’s Women in Sport funding, HIIT Squash allows us to reimagine how women experience our sport, making it more accessible, engaging, and enjoyable from the very first session.”
“This programme is about more than just fitness. It’s about creating space for women to belong in our clubs, to feel confident on court, and to become lifelong participants, and potentially future coaches, leaders, and role models in our sport.”
The programme has been developed with input from coaches and female players and is easy for clubs to deliver with minimal equipment and tailored session plans. Clubs will receive training and marketing support to ensure the programme can be rolled out successfully in their local communities.
Following a successful pilot phase, HIIT Squash will now be available to affiliated clubs this spring, as part of Squash Ireland’s broader commitment to growing the game in an inclusive, sustainable way, ensuring that squash reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
We’re calling on clubs to get involved! If you’re a club interested in running this programme, get in touch with Squash Ireland today to learn how you can run this exciting new opportunity.
Email Women In Sport Development Officer on [email protected]
As squash prepares to make its Olympic debut at LA 2028, initiatives like HIIT Squash are crucial to building a stronger, more balanced future for the sport — from grassroots to high performance.
For more information on HIIT Squash and how your club can get involved, visit the HIIT Squash webpage
Squash Ireland has secured equipment through the Sports Capital & Equipment Programme and is now accepting applications from clubs. Please note that quantities are limited.
Includes: Rackets, balls, eye protection, cones, ladders, etc.
The Squash Cannon – The Squash Cannon
InteractiveSQUASH | Interactive Squash Courts for the Digital Age
ASB Squash Courts – ASB ShowGlassCourt
Assessment of Applications
Equipment was awarded through the Sports Capital & Equipment Programme and is therefore only available to clubs within the Republic of Ireland.
A representative from each Provincial Association will be invited to contribute to decisions regarding InteractiveSQUASH wall allocations within their respective provinces.
All equipment will remain the property of Squash Ireland, and clubs agree to comply with the terms and conditions set out in the Sports Capital & Equipment Programme. Clubs must also maintain up-to-date membership and affiliation and be fully compliant with safeguarding requirements.
Make an Application
Click Here
Applications will be assessed on April 14, 2025. Applications will be accepted after this date; however, we cannot guarantee that stock will still be available.
Squash Ireland is thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new Social Tour for 2024, designed to bring together squash enthusiasts of all levels for a fun, engaging, and inclusive experience.
The Social Squash Tour is a series of 1-day events all around Ireland where people meet, play squash, socialize and have fun.
Each event will promote squash as a healthy activity for any age and gender, with a social environment welcoming everyone, no matter their level, abilities or skills. We aim to bring together the community of beginners and improvers who aren’t eager to compete in official events, but are looking forward to challenge themselves, meet new people and share the love for our sport.
Each event will consists of a few hours of timed matches, to ensure everyone gets on court as much as possible. Everyone plays everyone. No winners or losers, no final ranking. Just a lot of games, chats and fun!
Registrations are open on SportyHQ, free of charge. Each participant will receive a t-shirt provide by Squash Ireland.
Limerick Women’s Social Tournament – FULL
Kilworth Women’s Social Tournament – October 21st – CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Kilworth Men’s Social Tournament – October 22nd – CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Rathnure Women’s Social Tournament – November 8th – CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Any club interested in running a social tour event can contact [email protected] highlighting:
1. Day, time and location of the event
2. Min and Max number of participants (1 court per max 6 players, min 2 courts)
3. Target group: open to all, over a certain age, women-only etc.
Funds will be provided to help towards running the event.
Irish Squash has expanded its team of Club & Community Development Officers to three part-time staff, with Amanda Burgio set to join on July 29th.
Amanda brings a wealth of experience in sports development, club development, and participation programme design, having previously served as Club Support & Participation Officer at Volleyball Ireland. Many of the projects and programmes led by Amanda contributed to Volleyball Ireland being named National Governing Body of the Year in 2022.
Some of the highlights include organising and delivering the first-ever Women in Volleyball conference, designing a programme to empower female university students to take leadership roles in sport, and developing participation and inclusion programmes in collaboration with the Irish Wheelchair Association, Special Schools, and Local Sports Partnerships.
In addition to her professional experience, Amanda holds an MSc in Entrepreneurship and Business Development, a Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering, along with several certificates and qualifications specific to the sports sector.
Commenting on her appointment, Amanda said: “I’m thrilled about the opportunity to join Irish Squash in their path to growth, and can’t wait to support clubs and contribute to fostering inclusivity in the squash community.”
Irish Squash is committed to professionalising the organisation and growing the sport by supporting our network of clubs and volunteers and delivering on the objectives set out within the Connecting the Dots Strategic Plan.
If your club would like development support, please get in touch with a Development Officer or another member of staff.
Club & Community Development Officers:
SQUASH is going through a resurgence in Ireland – north and south – and it’s the girls who are leading the field. In Northern Ireland eight of the top players are female.
Northern Ireland’s most famous squash champion, Banbridge’s Madeline Perry, looks back on a stellar sporting career and talks about the development of squash internationally and at grass roots level as well as the opportunities for young people locally to reach squash’s top tier.
A former Mary Peters Trust supported athlete, Madeline Perry is a real inspiration to Northern Ireland’s new crop of potential squash champions, many of whom are currently funded by Mary’s Trust.
Back in April 2024, the Irish Ladies team won the European Division 3 Championship and three of those four players hail from Northern Ireland – Hannah Craig, Emma Lundy and Hannah McGugan. Other up and coming young female players are teenagers Shriya Drawid (below) and Lydia McQuillen – both still students at school.
Full Story – Local Women Sport – Madeline Perry Story
Last Friday marked the successful conclusion of the inaugural “Squash – Supporting Children’s Physical Literacy Journey in Primary School” Teacher’s Summer Course in Ballina and Thurles. Over the week, 33 enthusiastic primary school teachers participated, learning how to seamlessly introduce the dynamic game of squash to their students while aligning with the Primary Curriculum.
The course culminated with an engaging visit to the Ballina and Thurles Squash Clubs, where teachers had the chance to try the game firsthand, meet with some club officials and explore the excellent facilities available. The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with teachers now equipped with the necessary resources and expertise to bring squash into their classrooms in the upcoming school year.
This groundbreaking initiative was made possible by the collaborative efforts of many dedicated individuals and organisations. A heartfelt commendation goes out to the course authors and tutors, namely Ivan O’Mahony, Michael Hassett, Mark Healy and to Michael McKenzie from the Mayo Education Support centre for driving the programme. Special thanks are also due to the members of Irish Squash who provided unwavering support through their commitment of time and expertise and to staff at the Thurles and Mayo Education Support Centres and for their exceptional administrative and logistical support, as well as for managing the resource pack loan scheme for schools going forward. The Directors of the three centres deserve recognition for backing the course, selecting it to run in their catchment areas, and funding the necessary provisions for tutors and participants.
The success of this course has laid a solid foundation that can be replicated in other regions across the country next summer, with additional planning and recruitment of tutors., in turn creating more opportunities to build a squash community in the schools across Ireland. This initiative not only benefits teachers and children but also fosters the growth of squash, creating a lasting impact on the sport’s future in Ireland.
