Squash Ireland has been recognised as a High-Performance Development Sport by Sport Ireland, alongside €50,000 in funding to boost elite development.
The news comes as the sport prepares to make its debut at the LA 2028 Olympic Games. In recent years, Squash Ireland has been professionalising its operations and governance, helping to grow the sport and secure increased investment.
A key aspect of this progress has been the strengthening of high-performance structures through key coaching appointments. Arthur Gaskin was appointed Head Coach in late 2024, while David Noone recently joined as Junior Performance Coach, and Michael Conroy as Junior Development Coach.
A new structured Junior Performance Academy will soon launch, offering enhanced support to help young players progress to the top levels of the PSA World Tour.
Alongside these new structures and increased coaching capacity, Ireland’s top senior players have shown strong progress in what is a pivotal year ahead of the opening of the LA 2028 Olympic qualification window.
Speaking on the announcement, Squash Ireland CEO Scott Graham said: “Squash Ireland’s inclusion as a recognised High-Performance Development Sport is a key milestone and a well-deserved recognition of the talent and potential within our sport.”
“In addition to the welcome €50,000 funding allocation, this opens up new opportunities to learn from national governing bodies that consistently deliver medals at European, World, and Olympic levels. We can also tap into the growing expertise within Sport Ireland, the Sport Ireland Institute, and the wider high-performance system in Ireland.”
“This achievement has been made possible thanks to the dedication of the High- Performance Working Group volunteers, our Board of Directors, our excellent coaches, clubs, and, of course, our talented and committed players.”
“While squash’s inclusion in the LA Olympic Games has shone a spotlight on the sport, it is not our only focus. We have high aspirations for success at European and World Championships in the coming years. With the support of Sport Ireland and Sport NI, we aim to create structures and performance programmes that will develop young talent for years to come.”
For more information see the Sport Ireland High Performance Investment press release here .
