Fresh from her Irish Masters Nationals WO60 title win last weekend, Squash Ireland president Rosie Barry, the Dublin-based occupational health professional, has reflected on her sports career.
Ahead of our main interview to coincide with Sport Ireland’s Women In Sport (WIS) Week, the Fitzwilliam player who started at Old Belvedere has taken the On The T quick-fire Q&A:
First squash memory: Being on court with my sister in Old Belvedere. My dad set up the junior programme there. It started because he dragged the four of us, myself and my three siblings, down there on Sundays and it grew from there.
Favourite shot: Small boast at the front of the court.
Favourite court: I’d have to say one of the old courts in Old Belvedere. That’s where I learned to play, but they are not there anymore.
Best squash moment: Where do I start? Squash has given me so much, so many good moments. Actually, being on the Fitzwilliam ladies’ team that came third in the European club championships. And then the other time was as manager of the women’s senior nationals team, coming third in the European team championships.
Toughest opponent: Hilda Wyse. She doesn’t play anymore, but she was a senior player that I had. She was a very challenging opponent and beating her was a great achievement for me exiting junior squash.
Best squash country visited: Poland. They have so many modern facilities, there is so many courts and they are all busy all of the time. They have a pay-and-play model, which isn’t something that is in much use here, but it’s really successful. Yeah, there is a buzz in the squash world in Poland.
What do you love most about squash: I love the intensity of the game, I love the fact that it’s physically and mentally demanding and I love the fact that I have so many friends that I have made over many years through squash.
What does it mean to represent Irish squash: It’s an enormous privilege. That really sums it up for me. I love it.
