Irish Open O35s & O40s

The Irish Open Over 35s & Over 40s was held w/e 22^nd/23^rd March commencing on the Friday evening at 5.30p.m.  There was a bit of a delay with the opening matches.  The weather was particularly bad this week but in spite of torrential rain/flooding and even snow in Belfast all participants turned up and play commenced.  There was an eight man draw in each event and apart from David Cassidy (035) withdrawing injured all matches were completed.

Keith Moran (Connacht) competed in this event for the first time and finished a very creditable third in the Men’s 035 event, beating Alan Megaw  (Ulster) 3/1 in the play off for 3^rd/4^th.

The Men’s 035 final was a very hard fought encounter between the defending champion Neil Murphy (Leinster) who was actually seeded at No. 2 and Dara O’Flynn, also from Leinster who was seeded at No. 1.  Neil after a match which lasted just under 70 minutes, finally overcame Dara in the 5^th game 9/4.

In the Over 40s event, David Ayerst (Ulster) lived up to his No. 1 seeding position and defeated Ciaran McCoy (Leinster) in an excellent game 3/1.

Play proceeded smoothly over the two days and Irish Squash would like to thank Mount Pleasant for the use of their excellent facilities and hospitality.  Credit is also due to the players who travelled in appalling weather conditions.  Commitment to squash is very much alive and well and all matches were played in a good and sporting spirit.

Tournament Director

John O’Connor (assisted by Maria Blair)

FULL RESULTS