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The membership of Irish Squash has voted overwhelmingly in favour of adopting a new Constitution, ensuring that the organisation is well-placed to continue its growth over the coming years. Irish Squash has been on an upward trajectory in recent times, with the sport experiencing a rebound in playing numbers following the forced closures due to Covid-19. Recently, Irish Squash was awarded an almost 25% increase in Sport Ireland core grant funding and has secured Sport NI funding for the first time in many years. The organisation is making great strides in the areas of participation, diversity, and inclusion. Squash has been included in the LA 2028 Olympic program, and several Team Ireland players are targeting qualification, including three senior players who have committed to squash on a full-time professional basis to improve their ranking into the top 100 in the World. Irish Squash is committed to professionalising the high-performance unit to develop talent and support high-performing athletes. This effort is supported by a group of experts on the high-performance working group, as well as Sport Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland, and the Olympic Federation of Ireland.
Irish Squash is embarking on an energetic and bold rebranding project, developing a new website, and focusing on media exposure to bring the sport back into the mainstream. With a growing team of development officers, there will be a focus on establishing and growing junior sections, introducing squash to schools, and developing an innovative suite of participation programmes catering to all levels from children to older adults looking to combine fitness with squash.
The revised Constitution has been developed with expert legal and sports governance input and following extensive consultation with members and the provincial associations. Key changes include a move to a strategically focused skills-based board of directors and the inclusion of up to two independent directors, bringing new expertise and a fresh perspective to the sport.
While the appointment of a CEO and the recent expansion of the staff team from two to six over the past 6 months have accelerated the delivery of the Irish Squash strategic plan, volunteers remain vital and hugely valued at all levels. Irish Squash is fortunate to retain the support of key volunteers, which were previously represented on the board, including the refereeing secretary, junior secretary, safeguarding officer, and provincial representatives.
The new board comprises the following positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, up to 3 Directors, and up to 2 Co-Opted Independent Directors. This ensures that up to seven directors come from the squash community, plus up to two independents. Vacant positions will be filled at an AGM to be held in mid-May. The current board comprises Rosie Barry as President, Christine Mooney as Treasurer, Anne Costello as Secretary, and co-opted on an interim basis (until AGM): Lee Healy, Eugene Walker, Christine Lowry and Noel Storey.
To facilitate regular and constructive dialogue with and between the Provincial Associations, an Interprovincial Forum will be established, meeting several times a year. The consultative forum will ensure consistent implementation of the Irish Squash strategy in the four provinces and includes the President of Irish Squash, along with the CEO, the Provincial Presidents, and other representatives.
You can view the new Irish Squash Constitution here and the 2022-2027 Connecting the Dots Strategic Plan here
