Gerry has chaired the Masters Committee since 2019, helping to increase the number of Masters players in our squash community. Under Gerry’s leadership, the Irish Masters Open has become one of the marquee tournaments on both the domestic and European Masters circuits. Siobhan developed the Masters Facebook page, which now has almost 600 followers and serves as a significant part of our Masters social media presence.
The Board has appointed John Dineen as interim Chair of the Masters Committee until the end of the season. Current Masters Committee members include John Dineen (Interim Chair), Brendan Murphy, Neal Pollock, Geoff Wales, Maureen Duke, and Kevin Knox.
The next Masters event is the Leinster Masters Open, taking place on December 6th and 7th at two venues: Fitzwilliam LTC and Leinster CC. We look forward to another exciting tournament, building on the success of last weekend’s Ulster Open in Belfast, led by Neal Pollock and his team.
Squash Ireland, formerly Irish Squash, has published the organisation’s first High- Performance Strategy for the period 2025–2028. The strategy is being released on the anniversary of squash’s formal inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympic programme by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Click here to view the Squash Ireland High Performance Strategy 2025 – 2028.
This strategy marks a significant shift in Squash Ireland’s approach to high-performance squash as the sport prepares for its debut in the Olympic Games. Its development was supported by extensive consultation and research, setting ambitious targets at the European, World, and Olympic levels.
A key objective for Squash Ireland is to qualify athletes for the LA 2028 Olympic Games and increase the number of players ranked in the world’s top 100, with a target of four. Securing substantial additional investment in the high-performance programme is essential for implementing the systems and structures necessary to achieve this strategy. Squash Ireland plans to launch a patrons programme and sponsorship strategy to support its high-performance goals and other objectives.
To kick-start the strategy, Squash Ireland is investing in world-class coaching by recruiting a high-performance Head Coach to provide player support and leadership for the high-performance programme.
Squash Ireland CEO Scott Graham said:
“Ireland has a proud history of competing at the highest levels in squash, reaching as high as number 3 in the world on the women’s side and number 7 on the men’s side. That success has instilled a belief among young players that they too can compete at the very highest level. With the inclusion of squash in the LA 2028 Olympic Games, we have a huge opportunity for young players to pursue a career in squash and strive to become Olympians. As a fast- growing and ambitious National Governing Body, we are committed to backing the players and putting the systems and structures in place to ensure long-term international success.”
“The development of this strategy has taken several months, and I want to thank everyone who contributed, particularly the members of the high-performance working group: Angus Kirkland (Chair), Arthur Gaskin, Derek Ryan, Gareth Brown, Eoin Ryan, and Ken Flynn.”
Sport Ireland’s Director of High Performance, Niamh O’Sullivan, commented:
“Squash Ireland has set clear and ambitious targets for its sport over the coming four years. Sport Ireland is encouraged by the National Governing Body’s plans to maximise the potential of its athletes, clubs and coaches. Our vision for international success by athletes and teams is that it is systemic and sustained; and critically, underpinned by high-functioning National Governing Bodies. I look forward to continuing to engage with Squash Ireland as their plans develop over the next cycle.”
As part of the collaboration, DYNAMIK will provide expert technical advice and comprehensive court maintenance services to Squash Ireland and it’s network of affiliated clubs. This support will ensure that squash courts throughout the island of Ireland are maintained to the highest standards, enhancing both performance and safety.
Squash Ireland is responsible for the promotion and development of squash at all levels. The sport has experienced rapid growth in recent times, with membership increasing by almost 20%, the number of affiliated clubs rising from 50 to 60, and several new squash courts and facilities planned for development.
Craig Jack, Managing Director of DYNAMIK, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating:
“As we branch further throughout Ireland, sharing our expertise and the work of our professionals, we are more than excited to collaborate with Squash Ireland to help to deliver optimum playing conditions for this fantastic sport. Providing aftercare and maintenance support will allow us to help maintain the condition, longevity and safety of your court so more people can get involved, play safely and grow with squash in Ireland.”
Scott Graham, Squash Ireland CEO, added:
“At Squash Ireland, we aim to provide real added value and support to our affiliated clubs, so I am pleased that we have developed a partnership with DYNAMIK that focuses on just that. DYNAMIK will offer expert technical advice and comprehensive court maintenance services to affiliated clubs and facility owners. Whether you’re planning to develop your squash facility or looking for cost-effective solutions to maintaining courts, Squash Ireland and DYNAMIK Sports Floors are here to help.”
Through this partnership, Squash Ireland will benefit from DYNAMIK’s extensive experience in delivering high-quality sports facilities, further enhancing the playing experience for squash enthusiasts across the country.
Ellie Hewitt
The successful candidate will coordinate and deliver a range of sports development and participation initiatives aligned with the cornerstones of the Sport NI ‘Power of Sport’ Plan, aimed at putting in place the structures and programmes required to increase squash participation in a sustainable manner.
The Club & Community Development Officer will report to the Squash Ireland CEO and work closely with the Strategic Development Officer for Northern Ireland to develop and action a work plan. It will be essential for the successful candidate to develop positive working relationships with the Ulster Squash Provincial Committee, local clubs, coaches, volunteers, and partners such as Sport Northern Ireland, local councils, and university sports development teams to promote inclusive and welcoming squash programmes and initiatives.
The position is initially offered on a fixed-term contract to 31 March 2025, with the possibility of an extension subject to successful delivery of the funded programme and continued receipt of Sport NI funding.
Key Responsibilities
Experience & Competencies
Further Information
The appointment will be made subject to satisfactory:
How to Apply?
Applications must be sent by email with the subject line: [ATTN: Club & Community Development Officer Northern Ireland]. 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 18th of October 2024, to Squash Ireland CEO Scott Graham at [email protected]. Interviews to take place on 21/22 October.
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.
Squash Ireland are asking you to ‘Step in’ to squash, with a new name and identity for the sport across the island of Ireland.
Formerly, Irish Squash, the national governing body has updated its name and will now be known as ‘Squash Ireland’. This changeover is currently taking place across all digital platforms, including a new mobile-optimized website, and will be rolled out across tournaments, participation programmes, and national squads in the coming weeks and months.
To coincide with this name change, we are very proud to reveal our new brand identity and our ‘Step in to squash’ brand manifesto.
The brand has been developed with renowned sports creative specialists, Branding Sport, to capture a more modern, energetic, youthful side of the sport. A series of newly developed participation programmes and coaching guides will be unveiled over the coming weeks and months, bringing the Squash Ireland brand to life and encouraging more young people to enjoy squash in fun, new ways.
Our players and volunteers were active participants in the brand development process and the ideas and inspiration for the new brand came directly from our community.
Squash Ireland President, Rosie Barry, believes the new identity marks the start of a period of great opportunity for squash on the island of Ireland, “It’s a very exciting time for us as we are already looking forward to squash’s inclusion at the LA 2028 Olympic Games. On top of that, our new brand is an indication of our commitment to promote and grow the game even further, with a major focus on recruiting new, young players to the sport. As we ‘step in’ as an organisation to a new era of growth and ambition, we decided to put the sport of squash front and centre in our name, as we strive to deliver more for our vibrant squash community and appeal to new participants in this exciting sport.”
CEO of Squash Ireland, Scott Graham, says the new identity is a key part in the organisation’s strategic planning; “I was very keen to update the Squash Ireland identity to reflect the energy, the fun and the community at the centre of the sport. The process we worked on with Branding Sport has really delivered on that objective and will help us to grow the game on a number of fronts.”
Branding Sport MD, Patrick Murphy, gives some more insight into the brand design and development; “The players, staff and volunteers at Squash Ireland contributed some very rich insight when it came to developing the brand and we were keen to deliver on that input. ‘Sport in 3d’ was a key idea and something we tried to capture in the new logo – the squash ball travelling in front, behind and all around the player and the court. For the eagle-eyed out there, the dimensions of the lettering and the logo are very deliberate and intended to reflect the dimensions of a squash court itself, while the overall identity has been created to appeal to a youthful audience and to really come to life across social media and digital platforms.”
Step in. Always step in.
In to the forehand, the backhand.
In to your local squash club.
In to the club comp… and the club night out.
It’s a game that suits us.
Chaotic and full of energy.
Sweat and tears. And laughs.
Indoors. Makes sense.
You might not see them,
But they’re all around.
Great Irish squash clubs.
Great people, great fun.
Step in to Squash.
Scott Graham, Squash Ireland CEO.
[email protected]
Applications were submitted in September 2023, with announcements on equipment funding published in May 2024, and capital funding made today.
The biggest beneficiary was Athlone Squash Club, which Irish Squash was pleased to provide a letter of support for the facility, which could act as a regional hub for squash in the Midlands although a significant funding shortfall remains.
Glenville Squash Club was awarded €15,045 for club and court upgrades, while Freshford Squash Club received a similar amount of €15,695.
Speaking on the news, Irish Squash CEO Scott Graham said:
“I am delighted for the clubs that were successful with their applications and have been awarded significant investment. Increasing and enhancing squash facilities across the island of Ireland is an important factor in continuing to grow the sport and make it more accessible and enjoyable to be a part of.
“For any clubs that did not apply or were unsuccessful, there will be more opportunities through future rounds of the Community Sports Facility Fund or local schemes managed by councils and local sports partnerships, such as the recent Local Enhancement Programme or Community Recognition Fund.”
“We will continue to highlight capital and other funding opportunities as they arise and are available to assist clubs where possible.”
If you missed Irish Squash’s recent webinar, facilitated by 2into3 on ‘How to Develop Local Club Facilities,’ please contact [email protected] to receive a recording of the webinar.
Click here for more on the Community Sports Facilities Fund.
The three new board members further bolster the expertise on the board of Irish Squash, which has grown considerably as a National Governing Body for Sport in recent years as we strive to fully deliver the 2022-2027 Connecting the Dots Strategic Plan.
Rose Hynes brings substantial, broad-spectrum experience from her work as a commercial lawyer, a member of senior management, and as a Chair and Director of Stock Exchange and SEC-registered companies, as well as other commercial entities across various sectors. Hynes also has extensive experience in leading successful organisations through long periods of complex transformation involving extensive stakeholder interaction. She has over 35 years of experience across all aspects of the aviation industry, both as a senior executive in GPA Group and at board level in Aer Lingus Group, and as Chair of Shannon Group and the Irish Aviation Authority.
Kevin Ahern brings over 30 years of financial services experience, most recently as the CEO of TD Securities in Ireland, leading a front office trading floor encompassing Debt Capital Markets, Rates, Equity Derivatives, Foreign Exchange, and Corporate Banking relationship management. As CEO and Country Head for 10 years, Ahern was a driver of major strategic change. A member of boards of directors in both executive and non-executive capacities for 17 years, Ahern managed the firm’s risk profile, ensuring that appropriate internal systems and controls were in place, and oversaw the adoption of the group’s culture in the day-to-day management of the firm.
Susan Kelly has over 20 years of experience in human resource management and financial services and is currently a Partner at Odgers Berndtson, a leading global executive search and organisational leadership firm. Kelly’s appointment adds further depth and breadth of experience to the board, supporting Irish Squash’s ambition for a strategically focused board planning for and safeguarding the long-term future of the sport.
Commenting on the appointments, President Rosie Barry said:
“Rose, Susan and Kevin will bring a wealth of experience to the new board in Irish Squash, underpinning our transformation to a skills-based board after the EGM in March 2024. I look forward to working closely with them as we continue to professionalise the organisation and further enhance the governance structures already in place. Their appointments are timely, coinciding with the mid-point of our Strategic Plan, Connecting the Dots 2022-2027, as we review progress made to date and refresh strategic objectives for the benefit of our squash community.”
Irish Squash CEO Scott Graham added:
“Irish Squash is well-placed to continue its growth over the coming years, and with the addition of two further highly experienced and committed directors to the board, the organisation and the sport as a whole will benefit in the months and years to come. Irish Squash has been on an upward trajectory recently, with the number of people playing squash on the rise, as well as the number of clubs, tournaments, and coaches. We will shortly be launching a youthful and energetic new brand identity and mobile-optimised website, which will help with our push to increase the number of people involved in squash, particularly young people. Our growing team of Club & Community Development Officers is available to assist clubs across a range of areas, including the establishment of junior sections, participation programme design and delivery, accessing local funding opportunities, and club development planning.
We are also making solid progress on the development of a National Centre, having submitted an application for funding under the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund.
On the high-performance front, with squash included in the LA 2028 Olympic Games, we are pleased to have secured seed funding to professionalise and develop our high-performance programme. With this in mind, we are currently recruiting for a Head Coach to oversee the High-Performance Unit and chart our path to future international success.”
Player Affiliation for 2024/25
We offer two approaches for player membership registration, designed to accommodate different circumstances and ensure that all players have access to the benefits of affiliation:
From the 1st of October, you will be unable to enter tournaments and leagues without a valid membership.
For assistance, please contact Tiernan Harris at [email protected]
Club Affiliation Fees
Safeguarding Requirement
All clubs will be required to fill out a safeguarding form as part of the affiliation process. This is crucial to ensure that we maintain the highest standards of child protection and welfare across all our clubs. The form can be completed here – https://forms.gle/feeJWxvpL5sLVSB26
For further information and to view the benefits of affiliation, see our Club Affiliation and Membership 2024-25 Document
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact Tiernan at [email protected].
Featured Squash Tournaments
The Irish Masters Open takes place from the 17th to 20th October at Fitzwilliam LTC and is considered one of the premier masters tournaments on the European circuit. This tournament is not to be missed if you are a competitive player over 35 years of age.
The In4 Squash Annual LGBTQ+ Tournament takes place on the 28th of September at Trinity College and is an inclusive social tournament, bringing together members of the LGBTQ+ community from around Ireland and beyond.
The Munster League closes for registration on October 4th and now features six divisions catering to everyone, from absolute beginners to seasoned pros. Connacht, Leinster, and Ulster also organise leagues, and you can find details on social media and through your provincial association.
Sutton LTC is hosting a series of one-day tournaments for U11s, U13s, and U15s. These tournaments offer juniors an action-packed day of squash, where they can play against various players and make new friends. They are suitable for all levels and are a great way for beginners to experience tournament squash.
Highfield Squash Club is hosting a Women’s One Day Open on the 20th of October. The tournament was very popular last season, attracting women from far and wide to this uniquely welcoming women’s-only event.
Check out the calendar at irishsquash.com/calendar for a full list of tournaments, or contact us at [email protected] for more information.
Membership and Club Affiliation
With the start of the 2024/25 season upon us, club affiliation and membership are now due. From October 1st, you will need to be a current member of Irish Squash in order to enter or participate in sanctioned tournaments listed on the calendar.
If you are planning to enter a tournament, please encourage your club to complete their bulk membership upload early. Alternatively, there will be an option to purchase membership directly through the Irish Squash Sporty HQ system if your club has not yet submitted you as a member.
Please contact [email protected] if you need assistance with club affiliation, bulk membership renewals, or direct membership purchases.
Respect
Inclusion is one of the six core values identified in the Irish Squash Strategic Plan, and we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where all members are respected. With this in mind, we would like to remind everyone that all members, coaches, officials, and administrators are bound by the code of conduct.
As part of our regular process of reviewing and updating policies and procedures, Irish Squash has engaged Ireland’s foremost sports law expert, Sarah O’Shea, to review the relevant disciplinary policies and the code of conduct. This process is ongoing, and we look forward to introducing new policies once they are approved.
Best wishes for the season ahead, and please contact a member of staff at Irish Squash if you need assistance.
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:
