Congratulations to Breanne Flynn & Conor Moran for their victories in the @MtPleasantLTC Open today. Results - t.co/m3JLrGmZxn ... See MoreSee Less
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Mount Pleasant Open has been a super weekend of top squash! See draw/results here - t.co/m3JLrGmZxn ... See MoreSee Less
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The Senior National Championships take place in Fitzwilliam LTC - Friday, 7th-9th Feb with 7 events - Women's A, Mens A, Men's B, Men's Over 35's, Men's Over 40's, Women's Over 35's & Women's Over 40's.
Enter on-line NOW t.co/0QxREecRxR
Tournament software - t.co/kqYS5LDg2b ... See MoreSee Less
Congratulations to the 2 Irish winners at the Czech Junior Open. Great win for Zoe Yeomans and Alex Smith. And a bronze for Christian Droomgoole. #juniorsquash Results: t.co/CyhOGJYkrD ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations to Orla O'Doherty and Neil McCarron who won gold in the Over 45s & O40s at the Oporto Masters in Portugal. Also to David Ayerst who won silver in the O45s and Neil Pollock who won bronze in the O40s. #MastersSquash #GameForLife esf.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/winners.aspx?id=BD6354C2-80CE-4B25-BC0B-BF26B72A49A6 ... See MoreSee Less
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ALEX WINS IN SPECTACULAR STYLE
Alex Smith won the Boys U/17 Czech Junior Open Super Series 11/9 in the fifth. The players exchanged games bringing the match to the fifth game and stayed together all the way through this last game. Alex kept his nerve and took the match to everyones relief and joy.
Alex Smith v Rowan Damming
8-11 11-1 6-11 11-4 11-9
Congratulations Alex ... See MoreSee Less
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SUTTON'S ZOE YEOMANS WINS THE CZECH JO
Zoe Yeomans took the Girls U/11 Title at the Czech Junior Open in Prague today. Incredible achievement for this young player at her second Super Series Event.
Zoe Yeomans v Ukraine's Viktoriia Donik
11-4 12-10 8-11 11-7
3rd PLACE FOR CHRISTIAN DROMGOOLE
Another great win. Christian Dromgoole came in 3rd place in the Boys U/11 Event. Christian beat Adam Burget 3/1 - 11-7 11-6 7-11 11-2. Superb News. ... See MoreSee Less
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Good luck to the Irish players in the Oporto Masters this weekend. Draw - t.co/MRkJoOxVnZ ... See MoreSee Less
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*IRISH SQUASH AWARDS 2019
The Irish Squash Inaugural Awards for 2019 are to be presented at the Irish Squash Masters' Closed dinner on Saturday 7th March 2020 in Fitzwilliam LTC.
The awards are for the following categories
1. Coach of the Year 2019
2. Volunteer of the Year 2019
3. Referee of the Year 2019
4. Club of the Year 2019
5. Junior, Senior and Master Player of the Year 2019
6. President's Award for Year 2019
7. Players that received their first cap in 2019 in Junior, Senior
or Master International events
Irish Squash are looking for nominations for some the above Awards. If you wish to nominate someone/club for an award, please fill out the entry form and send off to Irish Squash by email ([email protected]).
Nominations will be accepted until 11pm on Thursday 13th February.
The judges for the awards will be Rosie Barry (President), Shane Broadberry (Vice President) and Gar Holohan (Past President).
If you wish to nominate someone/club for any of the awards listed above from 1 to 5, please fill out the entry form and send to [email protected] by 11pm on Wednesday 13th February.
ENTRY FORM - bit.ly/2thbRCy ... See MoreSee Less
Irish Squash Annual Awards - Irish Squash
The Irish Squash Inaugural Awards for 2019 are to be presented at the Irish Squash Masters’ Closed dinner on Saturday 7th March 2020 in Fitzwilliam LTC. The awards are for the following categories Coach of the Year 2019 Volunteer of the Year 2019 Referee of the Year 2019 Club of the Year 2019 Juni... Munster Masters' Open - Results - t.co/opIa8bkIBV
Pictures of winners. ... See MoreSee Less
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Munster Masters' Open played in Cork this weekend, with a great entry of 85 entries. Super weekend of squash! #masterssquash #gameforlife ... See MoreSee Less
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The Senior National Championships will take place in Fitzwilliam LTC, Dublin 6 from Friday 7th of February to Sunday the 9th.There are 7 events - Women's A, Mens A, Men's B, Men's Over 35's, Men's Over 40's, Women's Over 35's and Women's Over 40's.
Please enter on-line - www.irishsquash.com/senior-nationals/ ... See MoreSee Less
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British Junior Open 2020: day 4&5
Five days of intense squash can really take its toll both mentally and physically, arguably more mentally if you were to ask the players.. It’s a true test of character and this large group of Irish players really impressed when it came to grinding out the last few matches. So unusual to be in an event running all the way through the week and for it to finish on a Monday, but it is a unique competition.
So many performances and results to mention that pages could be written, so just to mention a few... Jack O’Flynn and Elliot Kelly had early starts on Sunday followed by afternoon matches and early starts on Monday, both guys seemed to be on very similar schedules. Amazing efforts from both players, really putting in the hard work and winning so many matches against an impressive calibre of opponent, they can leave Birmingham with their heads held high! Dylan Moran churned out some monsters efforts too, he had two huge character building scalps on Sunday, proving his worth as a world class player.
Adam Power and Eoghan Dunphy will return to Waterford with a wealth more knowledge and experience after a good campaign, Eoghan isn’t afraid of hard work and will be one to watch in the future if he keeps dedicating himself to the sport the way he is. Adam Power lost his 1st round and went on to win ALL his remaining ties, that is a serious achievement, well done Adam!
Gavin L’Strange had an incredible event too, pushing past many opponents, that on paper could have gone either way. He managed to have two match balls against one of America’s top players, the conqueror of the 3/4 seed, unfortunately didn’t convert but shows his super high level and that hard work pays off. Dean Dromgoole was very resilient in the later stages too, going on a run of wins to finish on a high! Adam Eason got stuck in time after time also, amazing experience for him to bring to the U15 Irish set up going forward.
Sophie Thomas, Hannah McGugan, Brenda Li, Sean White, Alex Smith, Emma McGugan, Christian Dromgoole, Jamie Walker, Frank O’Flynn, Sean Murphy, Conor Moran - all finishing with pride and so much to be proud of.
Denis Gilevskiy and Sam Buckley we’re our top finishers, Sam 7th, historic for Irish Squash, what a performance! Denis in the top 10 - nothing new for him but top 10 in the world, in his weak year, phenomenal!!!
Another year done and dusted, plenty for us Irish squash players to be proud of! Plenty of lessons learned from both players and coaches alike!! Gigantic effort from all parents that travelled also, hats off to all involved!!
Draw: esf.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/draws.aspx?id=AF39C5C1-D2EA-4925-AB2D-618AD27983D3
David Noone ... See MoreSee Less
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British junior open 2020: day 3
A refreshing and exciting opening to day 3 here in Birmingham. Two matches that summarised why this event is so important.. first was Adam Power from Waterford, playing with a huge simile on his face and some real belief combined with a quite confidence, he dismantled his English opponent in three quick games with quality squash, a joy to watch and an example of how to go about your business in the serious world of junior squash. Frank O’Flynn was another shining example of playing the game with fun and experimentation, fakes gaoler and sublime shot making, one to watch going forward.
Across in the university the three mega talented U15 Irish players commenced battle, Elliot Kelly, Jack O’Flynn and Sean Murphy. Elliot played some great squash to win a deciding 5th set against an American player who had a lot to offer, Sean thrashed his Canadian opponent in a convincing 3 games and Jack was pipped by the higher ranked 9/16 seed, Drew Glazer. All played very well, showcasing their talents and hard work.
Hannah McGugan and Brenda Li got off to good starts in the Solihull club, great to get the taste of victory- always hard to savour in an event of this magnitude.
Christian Dromgoole has been playing amazing squash at an U11 age, only being halted by the no.1 seed so far, he unfortunately lost to a higher ranked, talented American, but is doing himself proud - definitely a kid to watch.
Alex Smith, Denis Gilevskiy and Dylan Moran put in serious performances today, all getting wins that were well deserved and very well constructed!
Dean Dromgoole, Sophie Thomas and Sean White notched up a few wins for the Irish in the evening session. Delightful results, no shortage of hard work in all those victories!
All eyes were on the ultra talented Sam Buckley in his quest for a semi final birth in the boys U19, on the glass, dealing with time delays and uncertainty of court proved a tough start, losing the first game quickly. That was not the tone set for the match though, quite the opposite. An amazingly resilient display from Sam, fighting well and constructing magnificent rallies, he found himself 1-2 down, close to taking to an edgy 5th, just pipped in the end by a really quick, accurate and clinical Egyptian. This match was far from one sided, showing off some of the best of our Irish talent, Sam was unlucky not to force a decider and potentially a semi finalist, it wasn’t to be tonight but no doubt a performance to be proud of!!
Still two days of play left, mentally challenging to back up all these performances, never easy but certainly well worthwhile the efforts from all parents, players and coaches.
David Noone ... See MoreSee Less
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British junior open 2020: day 2
Big day today for the Irish. Opportunity for a few to make it into the top 16, which is essentially top 16 in the world. The standard is so high and so deep throughout the age groups that it’s an enormous achievement to be contending for those spots. But in saying that, we have players good enough to be there and they have the attitude to capitalise on the chance and are certainly not overawed by the occasion.
Venue one is Birmingham university, 6 ASB courts, 3 glass back courts back to back, some good viewing on one side. It’s here the glass court arena is set up also, large grandstand seating with an impressive set up including Squash TV. Venue two, Edgebaston Priory club. One of England’s premier clubs, a beautiful private members club, recently renovated and boasts 10 top notch courts. This place even has an outdoor heated pool and hot tub! Venue three, Solihull Arden Club, great venue but a little bit off the beaten track when it comes to covering as many matches as possible. Venue four, West Warwickshire Squash Club, famed as the stable where Rob Owen’s professional players do most of their hard work. Even late last night, as play came to an end with Alex Smiths match, Joel Makin arrived and started to warm up for a late night training session - at 2130, showing the young guns some serious dedication and why he’s close to top ten in the world..
A few highlights from today as follows, but for more comprehensive results coverage, visit the British Junior Open website..
britishjunioropen.com/
Jack O’Flynn was on the glass in the boys U15, he faced the 5/8 Egyptian player. It was nip and tuck the whole way, anyone’s match. Jack certainly adapting well to the massive change that is playing on the all glass court. Jack was arguably the better squash player, pushing all the way and even had a game ball in the 4th to force a decider but narrowly missed out in a performance he can be proud of.
Elliot Kelly played last years U13 champ, unfortunately didn’t take any games but would have learned from the experience.
Alex Smith played one of England’s top ranked juniors and came up short in a close 4 that could have went either way.. he then had a bye in his evening match after a withdrawal..
Denis played some great squash to progress to the last 16, beating his second Pakistani opponent in a row. Unfortunately lost in his evening match against a strong Egyptian, he wasn’t outplayed but perhaps put too many in the tin today..
Conor Moran played a savage match and won a real battle against his olde foe, Toufik Mekhalfi from France, in a marathon 5 setter. He came up short in the last 16 against a strong Indian player. Plenty left to play for though.
Sam Buckley, in the court next to his Sutton clubmate, went to war with a massive Egyptian. He battled so well, fought tooth and nail for every point and earned a well deserved 3-1 victory. He then played American surprise package, Brian Leonard in the last 16. To back up so soon after his late afternoon tussle was a big ask, but back up he did. Winning in 5 to send him into the 1/4 final, top 8 in the world... not bad going!!!!!
The depth is incredible so no matter the positions these Irish players are fighting for, each match requires a monster effort and they’re all doing us proud. Great experience gained for all and still a long way to go til the event concludes on Monday afternoon..
Draw - esf.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/players.aspx?id=AF39C5C1-D2EA-4925-AB2D-618AD27983D3&c=IRL ... See MoreSee Less
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British Junior Open 2020: day 1
A monster day of play opened this mammoth event - 13 hours of play, 4 venues, 56 nations represented, over 800 entries, over 400 matches today alone. All of which featured the best the world has to offer in junior squash, it’s a truly unique event! So full of passion and enthusiasm, something to be witnessed if you ever get a chance to!
Ireland has over 20 competitors, a testament to the top work being done by so many coaches and parents throughout the clubs in Ireland at grass roots level. Strong player representation from Belfast, Sutton, Mount Pleasant, Fitzwilliam and Waterford - a great mix!!
So many highlights from the day, best to scroll through results at the website - britishjunioropen.com.
A few to mention were Hannah McGugan pushing Asia Harris to a close 4 games, showing her potential to play at the very top level. Christian Dromgoole winning both matches in his maiden BJO, he’ll play the top seed U11 in the morning. Adam Power playing well has one win from two.
Strong performances from Jack O’Flynn and Elliot Kelly seeing both players into tomorrow’s matches unscathed. Sean Murphy had one win and a close loss to a strong Malaysian player. Adam Eason also making his BJO debut will look to learn as much as he can throughout the event, winning his first match.
Seasoned top class players Sam Buckley, Conor Moran, Alex Smith, Gavin L’Strange and Denis Gilevskiy all working hard to make day 2 unbeaten against serious opposition.
Sean White and Dylan Moran have one win and one loss each - no better event to back up a loss with strong performances in the week to come.
Emma McGugan, Brenda Li, Sophie Thomas, Dean Dromgoole, Frank O’Flynn and Eoghan Dunphy will also look to push on after a tough opening day.
9.40 tomorrow morning, Squash TV will be covering Jack O’Flynn’s match live, so tune in to support..
An exciting few days ahead here in Birmingham!!
David Noone ... See MoreSee Less
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