Being on a title-winning podium with Ireland at last week’s European Team Championships in Amsterdam wasn’t on Derek Ryan’s bingo card for 2026.
The former world No.7 still does a decent turn on court and represented Ireland less than a fortnight ago as part of the MO50 team that narrowly finished second behind England in the Aberdeen leg of this year’s Home Internationals.
However, when it comes to the pro circuit, his involvement since 2017 has been either to provide lead physio services himself at seven or eight tournaments annually or to arrange for others to attend.
For example, this would have seen him working at the start of April at the El Gouna International Open in Egypt, helping out the likes of Mostafa Asal, the current men’s No.1, and all the other leading stars.
However, away from the glitter, connections had been rekindled with Squash Ireland in recent times through his strength and conditioning tuition of teenagers involved in the first year of the Junior Performance Academy.
That relationship led to a call from CEO Scott Graham for help in an emergency. Senior team head coach Arthur Gaskin had suddenly decided to step back a few weeks ago due to increased commitments in America and assistance was needed in Amsterdam.
Ryan agreed to contribute to the coaching of the men’s and women’s team, along with junior performance coach David Noone, and also provide physio.
The arrangement worked a treat and after Ireland delivered a Division 2 title double last Saturday, he told europeansquash.com what the victories – and the promotions to Division 1 for next year – meant.
“It just gives everyone a boost in Irish squash,” he enthused. “They are two solid teams. There are a bunch of players that are on the tour in the women’s and the men’s team, and they have got a good bunch of young players that are studying in the US who are going to finish in the next year or two, who are hungry to go on the tour as well.
“So this is two solid teams that have back-up on the way as well. It’s nice getting promoted. They really wanted to get promoted and play with the stronger teams and they will hold their own next year, so it’s great all round.
“They’re hungry. Obviously, the Olympics in two years, they want to give themselves a place which would be amazing. The numbers are tight with the criteria, but they are a really hard-working, hungry bunch of players so they are great to work with, really easy to work with.”
Ryan added that he has been delighted with the rejuvenation of the sport in Ireland at all levels, not just at senior. “Definitely, the junior scene is healthy,” he continued.
“There are some good coaches that have come on board the last few years, working hard, working north and south of the border. All round, it is positive and the structure in Squash Ireland is good. Really good CEO, Scott Graham. There has just been a fresh impetus all round in the sport back home.”
