As I reflect on 2025, it is clear that Squash Ireland has made substantial strides across all areas of the organisation, writes CEO Scott Graham.
From growing participation and strengthening our club network to advancing our high-performance ambitions, this year has been defined by progress, even bigger and bolder ambitions, and a shared commitment to building foundations for the betterment of the sport.
Volunteers, coaches and club officials are the engine room of our growth. It was wonderful to celebrate just some of these individuals at our 2025 awards evening, shining a light on the incredible work they do to ensure people fall in love with the sport and stay involved at all ages and stages of life.
2025 marked the midpoint of our Connecting the Dots Strategic Plan, and I am pleased to report that we remain laser-focused on delivery. We are on target in the vast majority of areas and, in some cases, ahead of schedule, providing an opportunity to set even more ambitious targets for the years ahead.
A major highlight of 2025 has been the progress within high performance. As I write this update, we have two plaques as men’s and women’s champions from the European Team Championships Division 2 and, for the first time in 17 years, three Irish players ranked inside the PSA Top 100.
From an organisational perspective, we published our first High Performance Strategy and gained recognition as a high-performance development sport from Sport Ireland. This has unlocked new funding opportunities and expertise from both Sport Ireland and Sport Northern Ireland.
We have strengthened our high-performance Unit with the appointment of a head coach, junior performance coach and junior development coach, and reformed our high-performance working group, chaired by Angus Kirkland and bringing in expertise including Aisling Blake, Ken Flynn and Paris 2024 lead physio Paul Carragher.
Several senior players have benefited from direct funding through Sport Northern Ireland Athlete Awards and Squash Ireland support, enabling them to train and compete at an elite level.
At the pathway level, we established the Junior Performance Academy, which will continue to be refined to support committed young players in making the transition to elite professional squash.
On the participation front, 2025 was a strong year, with increased engagement across the sport and continued growth in membership numbers by 10.6%. This builds on the momentum of previous seasons where we recorded a 11.45% increase for 2024/25 and reflects the strength of our clubs and programmes nationwide.
Tournament entries also showed strong growth, with record participation in events such as the Irish Masters Open and the Irish Junior Open.
The Irish Open continues to go from strength to strength, with the 2025 edition delivered successfully at PSA World Tour Copper status. With an $83,000 prize fund and a strong international field, including several of the world’s top-ranked players, it remains one of the most significant sporting events of its kind in Ireland.
My thanks go to tournament director Dara O’Flynn, host club Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club and our title sponsors Quilter Cheviot and Cannon Kirk for their continued support in delivering an internationally respected event.
At the grassroots level, we saw the introduction of new divisions across the provincial leagues, alongside an increase in the number of clubs entering teams. Participation in leagues and internal club competitions continues to play a vital role in retention, with players enjoying the camaraderie and social aspects of the sport.
2025 also saw the rollout of social tournaments, led by our development team. Through seed funding support, clubs were empowered to deliver inclusive social events. The programme reached over 400 women across 17 venues nationwide, providing accessible opportunities to engage with squash and strengthening female participation in the sport.
In terms of club development, one of the highlights for me personally was delivering junior equipment packs and squash cannons to clubs such as Ballypatrick and Celtic.
While significant work goes on behind the scenes to secure these supports, seeing the impact at club level, particularly the excitement of young players, makes it all worthwhile. I am proud that Squash Ireland continues to lead in the provision of equipment support to clubs, and this will remain a priority.
When I started in the role, members bemoaned the lack of visibility, with sporadic updates posted to the website and a limited presence on social media. The website was near impossible to use on mobile, which we all know is essential in the digital age.
Through the appointment of Liam Heagney as part-time communications officer, we have vastly improved the visibility of squash. It is regularly remarked upon how active our social media accounts are, with engagement levels now ranking towards the top compared to other sports national governing bodies.
In fact, as I check our statistics, I note a new record of over 200,000 views on Squash Ireland’s Instagram page in the past 30 days, an impressive statistic by any measure.
The new website we developed and launched at the end of 2024, combined with the professionalism of our communications officer in producing engaging articles and interviews, has seen the number of active users increase by 40%.
Looking ahead, the next phase of development will focus on continuing to strengthen the foundations of Squash Ireland as a National Governing Body and increasing our impact in terms of driving membership growth, participation in squash, and performance internationally and at major events.
One exciting development is the planned recruitment of part-time squash activation officers in each province to drive participation, particularly at junior level.
This will increase our capacity to support clubs in developing and growing their junior sections, delivering squash programmes within schools, and reaching new audiences, including those from disadvantaged communities and disability groups. I am really looking forward to seeing our squash activation officers begin their roles and share their passion for the sport with the next generation.
In terms of systems and technology, you will see us develop an enhanced membership system and integrate more seamlessly with platforms such as Squash Levels to provide richer data and insights. We are also aiming to deliver more benefits as part of the membership package offered by Squash Ireland.
We are also working on an events strategy to build on recent progress, including the growth of provincial leagues and the increased status of PSA tournaments on the island of Ireland. While we have seen progress on the high-performance front, we have much loftier ambitions.
We will continue working hard to support players with the potential and work ethic required to compete at an elite level. We are also working with our funders and partners to plan for major events, including the 2027 European Games and LA 2028. In addition, an application has been submitted to the Government to secure tax relief on donations to our high-performance programme, which we hope will unlock new philanthropic support.
Regarding facilities, we are progressing plans for a National Squash Centre in partnership with South Dublin County Council, alongside ongoing support for clubs to enhance facilities through the Community Sports Facilities Fund and other national and local capital funding programmes. I would encourage all clubs within the Republic of Ireland to make an application under the next round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund.
Finally, I would like to thank our funders, sponsors, donors, board members, staff and the wider squash community for their continued support.
Everyone plays their part in growing the sport and in the success achieved to date. Having worked in several different sports, I can say with confidence that squash is special, and we have huge potential for further growth at grassroots level and for greater success on the world stage.
The 2025 Club Survey provided a positive picture of Irish squash, with 58 affiliated clubs responding from across the island of Ireland, writes Tiernan Harris, the Squash Ireland administrator, in the 2025/26 annual report.
The findings showed a sport with strong underlying demand, growing female engagement, improving club structures and clear ambition around junior development, coaching and facilities.
Affiliated membership conversion
While detailed affiliated membership growth is reported separately, the survey highlights an important trend that clubs are converting a greater proportion of their players into Squash Ireland members. The 2025 survey shows a 66.67% conversion rate from club players to Squash Ireland-affiliated members, representing a slight increase from last year.
This is an important marker of progress, showing that the connection between local club activity and the national squash community is strengthening. It also supports better visibility, governance, insurance, competition pathways and long-term development planning.
Club demand and capacity
Demand for squash remains clear, with 12 clubs now reporting that they are at capacity, compared with three last year. This creates challenges around court access and scheduling, but it is also a strong indicator of the sport’s growing appeal. The focus for Squash Ireland is to help clubs respond to this demand through facility planning, funding guidance, participation pathways and support for sustainable growth.
Governance and leadership
There has been notable progress in club development and governance. At the time of the survey, 50 clubs reported having established committees, while 42 had written constitutions. Since then, Squash Ireland has made both requirements mandatory for affiliation, meaning that 100% of affiliated clubs now have an established committee and written constitution in place.
This represents an important step forward in strengthening transparency, accountability and long-term sustainability across the club network. Core roles such as chairperson, secretary and treasurer are widely filled, and many clubs are expanding responsibilities to include safeguarding, communications, development and Women in Sport leadership. Volunteer capacity remains a challenge for some clubs, but the overall trend is towards stronger and more sustainable club structures.
Junior development
Junior development remains a major priority. Thirty clubs currently run junior sections, and 53% of clubs without a junior section intend to start one. This demonstrates a strong appetite to grow the game among young players. However, clubs continue to need support with coaching availability, programme structure, equipment, safeguarding guidance and school links.
Squash Ireland will continue to support this through junior frameworks, schools engagement, camps, girls’ programmes and resources for clubs starting or expanding junior activity.
Coaching capacity
Coaching remains central to future growth. Forty clubs reported having a qualified coach, and 37.5% have four or more internal coaches. This is a positive base, but provision varies significantly, with many clubs still seeking greater access to coaching support.
Clubs identified funding, coach availability, court access and beginner-focused support as key needs. Squash Ireland’s continued investment in coach education, regional coaching development and volunteer support will be important in addressing these gaps.
Inclusion and Women in Sport
One of the strongest areas of progress is inclusion. More than half of clubs, 52.5%, now actively promote inclusivity, up from 40% last year. Women in Sport programmes have grown significantly, from 28% of clubs in 2024 to 60.7% in 2025.
Clubs are delivering women’s sessions, girls’ coaching, social squash, structured coaching and competitive opportunities, while also beginning to increase female representation in coaching and leadership. Squash Ireland will continue to build on this momentum through Women in Sport initiatives, inclusive coaching resources, leadership development and shared best practice.
Facilities and infrastructure
Facilities are another clear area of ambition. Thirty-seven clubs plan to carry out maintenance works in the next 12 months, with many also considering larger upgrades such as court refurbishment, improved lighting, heating, changing rooms, glass backs and new court development.
These plans show that clubs are actively investing in the future of the sport. Squash Ireland will continue to support clubs through funding guidance, facility planning, advocacy and infrastructure support.
Conclusion and direction
The survey confirms that Squash Ireland’s strategic priorities are closely aligned with club needs. Clubs want to strengthen coaching, develop juniors, increase female participation, improve facilities, grow affiliated membership and raise the visibility of squash locally and nationally.
Overall, the 2025 Club Survey shows a sport with strong foundations, growing ambition and clear opportunities. The challenges identified are the natural pressures of a sport with increasing demand. With continued support in coaching, junior development, Women in Sport, inclusion, communications and facilities, squash in Ireland is well-positioned for sustainable and inclusive growth.
It is a pleasure to present my President’s Report for the 2025/2026 Squash Ireland Annual General Meeting and to reflect on another important year in the continued development of our organisation, writes Rosie Barry.
Throughout the past year, our Strategic Plan, Connecting the Dots 2022-2027, has continued to provide a clear framework for decision-making and priority setting across Squash Ireland. The values underpinning this strategy remain central to how we govern, support and grow the sport at all levels.
From a governance perspective, the board has remained focused on its strategic oversight role, ensuring that Squash Ireland is well-positioned for long-term sustainability. Ongoing attention to governance standards, transparency and accountability has strengthened the organisation. The contribution of board members, along with the insights provided by our wider governance and advisory structures, continues to be invaluable.
Operationally, the organisation continues to evolve in order to meet the needs of our membership, which has been growing year on year since 2022. Our staff team, led by the CEO Scott Graham, has worked diligently to support core activities, deliver strategic priorities and enhance our engagement with clubs, volunteers and partners.
This work is complemented by the dedication of our volunteers, at local, provincial and national levels, whose commitment remains fundamental to the success of squash in Ireland. Our annual awards event is a particular highlight of our calendar in which we acknowledge and celebrate the work of standout clubs, volunteers, coaches and referees. Supporting and valuing this community remains a key focus for Squash Ireland.
At both the domestic and international levels, Squash Ireland continues to demonstrate resilience and ambition. Increased participation and competition across all age groups and levels is evident; new data on third-level and community programme engagement is particularly encouraging.
Our elite squash players are making their mark on PSA world rankings – currently, three Irish players are in the top 100. Squash Ireland’s high-performance structures have become a strong foundation to support our athletes and will continue to evolve with a keen focus on the European Games in 2027 and the Olympic Games in LA28.
In this regard, we are building on our integration with Sport Ireland’s national high-performance system, the Sport Northern Ireland Institute, and as members of the Olympic Federation of Ireland.
A significant milestone was the introduction of gender parity at the U17 European Team Championships (ETC) this year, matching the format of teams across ETC U19 and all junior teams in the annual Five Nations competition.
Notably, the European Squash Federation is investing in programmes focused on improving female coach development and a new female leadership initiative – Squash Ireland is linked closely with this strategy.
Our masters circuit continues to thrive with participation numbers increasing across all age groups again this season, and especially in the novice events for new female masters players. Competition for selection on Home International teams was intense and well-earned.
We remain proud of all those who represent Squash Ireland at junior, senior and masters levels and we are very grateful to the families and support networks who play such an important role behind the scenes.
As an all-island sporting organisation, we truly value the support from our funding partners Sport Ireland and Sport Northern Ireland. Essential collaboration with and support for our four provincial associations through the interprovincial forum (IPF) is further enabled this year through the efforts of our community development officers.
Squash Ireland continues to work in partnership with the Federation of Irish Sport, European Squash Federation, World Squash and the Professional Squash Association.
As we reflect on the year, it is clear that progress is best achieved through collective effort. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to Squash Ireland over the past 12 months.
This includes the board, our staff, coaches, referees, volunteers, players, parents, sponsors and partners. Your passion for squash and your commitment to the organisation continue to drive us forward.
I invite you now to read the in-depth reports within this document in advance of the 2026 AGM, where the board and staff members will look forward to answering your questions. Equally, should any area of interest within our sporting organisation appeal to you from a volunteer or professional perspective, please do contact us!
Thank you all for your ongoing support, and I look forward to the 2026/2027 season ahead.
Old Belvedere Rugby Football Club will host the first Access Courts squash court in Ireland and Europe. Construction is underway at the Dublin 4 venue and the new court is set to open shortly.
Access Courts said on LinkedIn: “We’re proud to share that an Access Courts indoor squash court is currently under construction in Dublin. It is being built at Old Belvedere RFC, one of Dublin’s most prestigious sports clubs, set in leafy Ballsbridge, a stone’s throw from the city centre.
“As part of a major upgrade to its sporting facilities, Old Belvedere RFC is opening a brand-new, state-of-the-art racket club featuring three padel courts and one squash court.
“The club counts financier Dermot Desmond, the largest individual shareholder in Celtic FC and a long-time benefactor of Old Belvedere, among its backers, and the new facility is set to open its doors in just a few weeks.
“What we love most: even as padel continues its remarkable rise, squash keeps its place on court. A glass-back squash court takes up just one-third of the footprint of a padel court, making it the perfect complement to any modern racket club. Wishing the entire team at Old Belvedere a fantastic launch.”
Scott Graham, the Squash Ireland CEO, added: “This court is a European first… I’m really delighted to see the innovative new all-glass Access Court installed at Old Belvedere RFC. The squash court sits alongside a number of padel courts and looks absolutely fantastic.
“Access Squash Courts are modular, cost- and space-efficient, with three squash courts sitting on the same footprint as one padel court. Commercial operators and member clubs are discovering the new economics of squash.
“We have loads of interest in these courts. Where will we see the first outdoor Access Squash Court in Europe? I’m hoping it’s Ireland so we can continue to lead the way in innovation and ambition and bring the great game of squash to new audiences.
“Give me a shout if you’re interested in an Access Court for your multi-racket facility or traditional squash club. Access Courts are eligible under the soon-to-be-launched Community Sports Facility Fund.”
Twenty-five junior players from squash clubs across Ireland last week travelled to Birmingham for the Rory Gillen-sponsored field trip to the British Open.
For many of the Squash Ireland junior performance academy players, it was their first opportunity to experience one of the sport’s most prestigious events in person. Across two days, they were immersed in the very highest levels of professional squash.
The group watched four quarter-finals featuring some of the world’s best players and enjoyed the opportunity to meet quarter-final winners – the recent World Championship winners Mostafa Asal and Amina Orfi, as well as Diego Elías – following their matches. Seeing elite athletes compete at the highest level and then taking time to engage with young fans left a lasting impression.
The experience continued the following day at the world-renowned Rob Owen Academy at West Warwickshire Sports Club, where the group participated in an intensive coaching masterclass led by Owen alongside Jonah Bryant, the men’s PSA No.10, and other leading coaches. The session offered valuable insight into the standards, habits and mindset required to succeed in the modern game.
The Squash Ireland group then returned to The Rep – the British Open’s Birmingham city venue – for a personal audience with Hania El Hammamy, the women’s PSA No.1. The players were allowed to ask questions about her journey in squash, training routines, nutrition, preparation and life as a professional athlete.
El Hammamy shared her experiences, signed shirts and squash balls, and posed for photographs with the group. For the girls in attendance, especially, meeting the world’s leading female player was a powerful reminder that there are no limits to what can be achieved through dedication, hard work and belief. Visibility matters, and opportunities like this help young players see themselves reflected in the future of the sport.
Coaches Paul Conroy, Andrew Gillespie and team manager Róisín O’Shea were delighted by the enthusiasm shown by the group throughout the trip and by the accessibility of the professional players, who made time to connect with the next generation of Irish talent.
The visit also showcased the incredible potential of squash in non-traditional settings, with the glass show court installed inside The Rep Theatre providing a spectacular stage for world-class competition.
Most importantly, the group returned home with smiles on their faces, new friendships, fresh motivation and memories that will stay with them for years to come.
Dave Broderick, the Squash Ireland national development manager, said: “Squash Ireland would like to extend its sincere thanks to Rory Gillen for his generous support in making this unique opportunity possible and helping connect Ireland’s young players with the very best in the world game.”
An eight-strong squad will represent Ireland at the upcoming World Junior Championships in Canada in July.
Junior performance coach David Noone will see Aaron Knox of Celtic, the BU19 Nationals champion, and the Sutton trio Conal Jackson, Christian Dromgoole and Tyler Dromgoole take part in the boys Individual event at Niagara-on-the-Lake from July 20th to the 25th.
The quartet will then combine to form the Irish side for the boys’ team event from July 26th to the 31st.
Shriya Drawid of Belfast, the GU19 Nationals champion, and the Sutton duo Zoe Yeomans and Rebecca Jackson will play in the girls’ individual event. They will then be joined by American-based Ella Erickson for the team event.
Knox was the highest placed Irish boys player in the BU19 Individual event at the recent European Championships in Krakow, with Christian Dromgoole 37th, Tyler Dromgoole 39th and Fitzwilliam’s Frank O’Flynn 40th out of 64 players.
Drawid was the highest placed Irish girls player in Poland in March, finishing 21st with Mount Pleasant’s Riley Slade 26th, Erickson 34th and Yeomans 35th out of 53 players.
The team event at the Europeans was a mixed competition, and the Irish six – Conal Jackson, Knox, Christian Dromgoole, Drawid, Erickson and Yeomans – finished 11th out of 14.
Three of this year’s boys selection played at last year’s World Junior Championships in Egypt, with Knox and Christian Dromgoole reaching second round of the BU19 Individual and Conal Jackson featuring in round one. In the GU19 individual, Yeomans won through to round two.
The Irish men’s team of Danny Lynch, Jackson, Dromgoole and Knox finished 20th in Cairo, with the women’s team of Erickson, Ella Walsh, Yeomans and Slade 12th.
Coach Noone will be joined in Canada by manager Róisín O’Shea in Ontario for the team tournament.
Three Ireland players – Sam Buckley, Hannah Craig and Breanne Flynn – are listed as provisionally qualified for next year’s European Games in Turkey, one of the five Continental Games which form part of the Olympic qualification system for squash at the LA28 Olympics and Paralympic Games (LA28).
The European Squash Federation’s newly launched Road to Istanbul format has filtered all European players in the top 175 of the PSA world rankings.
Users can click on the ‘provisionally qualified’ tab at the top of the internet page to see who the current 21 qualifiers would be, or the ‘Top 175’ tab to see all those currently in contention.
Among the 21 current men’s qualifiers are PSA No.94 Buckley, who is 17th on the list. In the women’s section, PSA No.60 Craig and PSA No.91 Flynn are listed as No.11 and No.18 on the list.
The rankings cut-off date for Istanbul will be April 19th next year, and the men’s and women’s gold medal winners at the European Games – which take place from June 22nd-26th – will be guaranteed qualification in the 16-player Olympic draw in LA.
The European Games will also double up as the 2027 ESF European Individual Closed Championships.
Thomas Troedsson, president of the European Squash Federation, said: “The Road to Istanbul will inject even more buzz and tension as we count down to the highest-stakes squash tournament ever to take place in Europe.
“I know the players cannot wait for the European Games. To be part of a multi-sport event of such magnitude will be a first-time experience for many of them. The fact that there are ultimately two places in the Olympic Games up for grabs will make it an incredibly exciting occasion.
“Thank you to Ross Gerring for his help in creating The Road to Istanbul. We hope it provides clarity and insight for players and fans as we prepare for a momentous event for our sport.”
Following on from last month’s announcement that Cassidy Travel, Ireland’s leading travel agent, has been named official travel partner to Squash Ireland, a promotion has been launched offering families of four a trip to Spain this August:
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The European Squash Federation has launched its study on women and young referees in squash public survey.
The study is conducted within the SPIRIT Erasmus+ project, which aims to improve mentoring, reduce dropout, address abuse, and strengthen development pathways in refereeing.
This short, anonymous questionnaire seeks to understand your motivation, access to support and training, and the challenges you may face. Your answers will contribute to the design of mentoring programs, training resources, and European-level recommendations to improve refereeing conditions.
This project is designed to complement the strategic objectives of the European Squash Federation (ESF) and the World Squash Officiating (WSO). The findings will be shared with these governing bodies to ensure that the tools developed through SPIRIT align with and support the global refereeing pathway and WSO standards.
What is SPIRIT?
SPIRIT is the European Squash Federation’s project to achieve greater diversity in squash refereeing. Its focus areas are recruitment, retention and career progression of female squash officials.
Co-funded by Erasmus+ (the EU programme that supports education, training, youth and sport in Europe) SPIRIT will assess the current barriers and challenges women face in refereeing, and use these insights to develop targeted training, mentorship and support programmes.
SPIRIT will provide practical, structured pathways for women in officiating, ensuring sustainable change that long outlives the project.
How will SPIRIT work?
1. Understand
Through surveys, focus groups and a research report, we’ll produce the first European overview on women in squash refereeing.
2. Design
We’ll shape a referee training curriculum for new and existing women officials that addresses current challenges and helps create a more inclusive and supportive environment.
3. Test
The curriculum will be rigorously tested in two physical pilots by Czech Squash and Squash Ireland and will be open to women referees from across Europe.
4. Share
To help make it useful for everyone, we’ll produce a practical toolkit, policy report, and a multiplier event open to every ESF Member Nation.
Who will deliver SPIRIT?
– European Squash Federation (ESF) – with the project led by Catherine Ezvan, ESF Vice-President and Chair of the ESF Refereeing Committee.
– International Federation for Sports Officials (IFSO) – providing expertise on officiating in all sports and dissemination of the project’s findings across other sporting organisations
– Natsionalna Sportna Akademiya Vassil Levski (NSA) – Bulgaria-based specialists in research, administration and project organisation in sport
– Czech Squash Association and Squash Ireland – two ESF Member Nation Federations who will be involved during the pilot test phase of the project
– Additionally, renowned referees Andrea Santamaria, Roy Gingell and Marko Podgorsek will act as mentors, coaches and role models to the participants.
The project began on 1 January 2026 and initial outcomes will be presented at the ESF AGM in 2027.
Paul Nugent will retire from Squash Ireland on August 1st this year. The current chief operations officer began working with the sport’s national governing body in October 2013, joining as operations manager, and he was the sole employee for much of his 13 years.
CEO Scott Graham said: “Everyone at Squash Ireland wishes Paul well in his retirement. Paul has put in an outstanding shift for Squash Ireland, with over a decade of service.
“For much of that time, Paul acted as the sole staff member, covering all manner of duties and working closely with a volunteer board.
“I want to thank Paul personally for his support and assistance when I joined Squash Ireland. Paul was, and often still is, the go-to person, as he has a deep understanding of how the organisation and the sport in Ireland have operated over the past 13 years.
“Despite Paul’s planned retirement, I am sure we will see him regularly at squash tournaments over the coming years, as he is a friend to so many within the squash community.”
Nugent added: “It has been a labour of love working in sport and especially in squash over the past few years. The time has flown by and during that time, I have been lucky enough to enjoy the sport from within.
“Thank you all for your help and courtesy over that time. Squash is truly one of the best sports in the world, and I wish the members of Squash Ireland all the best in the future.
“I will, of course, continue to keep a keen interest and hope to see many of you at tournaments over the coming years.”
