LEINSTER SQUASH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


ANNUAL REPORT

 

2003/2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Leinster Squash League began in September and there was a great show of enthusiasm. Teams were looking forward to the season and were forthcoming with any information requested. The Website has been improved dramatically, again by Brian McNally. The results can be entered on the Web, which makes life easier for all involved and most teams use this facility. The results are then updated and each team can follow their Division’s progress by simply checking out the Website for Summary and Detailed Reports. All results were updated weekly at the beginning of the season, however by the end of the season they needed to be updated daily as the competition heated up and competing teams were ringing to find out what points the opposition got the night before. The Leagues and Cups were very much a success this year and all came to an end on May 8th at the Cup finals in Mt Pleasant Squash Club.

 

As most of you will have noticed the League fixtures and contact details were posted on the web early September. In order to achieve this we need all Clubs to enter their teams and give as much detail as possible as early as possible. Entries must be received, by the Administrator, by July 31st 2004 to avoid disappointment.

 

We were delighted, this season, to receive a full list of Delegates from all Clubs. We were able to call on some to aid in the running of such Tournaments as the Leinster Senior Open. Tom Healy from ESB Sports Co and Martin Maher from Sutton Lawn Tennis Club together with the Council and Tournament Venue Committees, ran an excellent Tournament. Aside from the importance of nominating a Delegate we need to stress that the Delegates must get involved in the running of Leinster Squash in some capacity or other, whether at Club level, fundraising or assisting the council in their many tasks.

 

We would like to thank everyone who participated in all events and helped in the running of these tournaments for their dedication to the sport. Thanks also to the Squash Council who strive to keep Squash active and healthy in Leinster. We look forward to a welcome rest and a fresh new start next season. 

 

    

 

 

 

 

AFILIATION, LEAGUE/CUP WINNERS & RUNNERS-UP

 

 

       Number of Clubs affiliated to Leinster Squash      24


Number of Men’s Teams                                           60


Number of Ladies Teams                                          22 

 

LEAGUE COMPETITION

            Statistics were down this year from last. We lost three Clubs, DCU, UCD Staff 

and UCD Students. Strangely enough all are college related Clubs. It is always very disappointing to lose a Club especially when there should be such potential for new players in the Colleges but hopefully we will see them return again next year.

           

League Sponsorship was a major priority this season and we were very grateful to all companies who kindly showed their support by sponsoring an individual Division. We did not succeed in finding a sponsor for all Divisions but hopefully the response from our current sponsors and the coverage they received may entice new companies to advertise with Leinster Squash next season.

 

As the League Entry Forms came in we noticed that some Division were very small where as others had a good number to fulfil a fixture and make for an interesting season. Mens Divisions FOUR, FIVE and SIX were substantially full and with 10 teams, 12 teams and 10 teams respectively. Unfortunately Div 6 suffered a few losses when Trinity, DCU and UCD failed to produce their teams and at the half way mark Arklow pulled out a team due to lack of players. However these divisions played out a very exciting year of squash.

 

The Ladies Premier teams were concerned that if they only had 6 entries that their season would be very short so we asked them if they would be interested in playing each other three times, at home, away and on a drawn basis. They ended up with 7 entries and decided to go with the suggestion of playing three times. This prolonged their season and made it more interesting for them. We used this draw for Mens Division 2, as they only had five teams and Ladies Division 1 also.

 

 

 

 

LEINSTER SQUASH LEAGUE

 

FINAL POSITIONS AT END OF SEASON 2004

 

 

 

 

MENS PREMIER Sponsored by Cfs Cooke Financial Services

 

WINNERS: FITZWILLIAM A 198            RUNNERS-UP: WESTWOOD 187

 

Old Belvedere 136, Trinity 135, Sutton 128, Fitzwilliam B 125, Carlow 98, Mt Pleasant 58

 

* * * * *

 

LADIES PREMIER Sponsored by SARTORIUS

 

WINNERS: FITZWILLIAM 247                RUNNERS-UP:WESTWOOD 218

 

Sutton 207, Old Belvedere 189, Mt Pleasant 167, Aer Lingus 86, Total Fitness MH 42

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

MENS DIVISION 1 Sponsored by STYL-OPTIK  

 

WINNERS: SUTTON 213                            RUNNERS-UP: LEINSTER 195

 

Fitzwilliam 191, Westwood 154, Old Belvedere 153, Spheres 146, Mt Pleasant 131, Trinity 130, Aer Lingus 120

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

LADIES DIVISION 1

 

WINNERS: WESTWOOD 216                    RUNNERS-UP: MT PLEASANT 202

 

Leinster 135, Sandycove 133, Trinity 85, Aer Lingus 41

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

MENS DIVISION 2 Sponsored by Sheeran Insurance 

 

WINNERS:  SUTTON 133                           RUNNERS-UP: TOTAL FITNESS 132

 

Spheres 130, Aer Lingus 127, Baldonnel 105

 

 

 

LADIES DIVISION 2

 

 

WINNERS:  FITZWILLIAM 207               RUNNERS-UP:  WESTWOOD 187

 

Mt Pleasant 177, Sutton 155, Total Fitness Malahide 151, BLCO 143, Leinster 135, ESB Spostsco 127, Old Belvedere 59

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

MENS DIVISION 3 Sponsored by TASTY OPTIONS 

 

WINNERS:  FITZWILLIAM 244               RUNNERS-UP:  CURRAGH 232

 

Mt Pleasant 202, Arklow 186, Spheres 159, Trinity 158, Leinster 152, Riverview 146, Westwood 144, Aer Lingus 142

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

MENS DIVISION 4 Sponsored by FEXCO

 

WINNERS:  SUTTON 243                           RUNNERS-UP: MT PLEASANT 242

 

Sandycove 235, Fitzwilliam 225, Portmarnock 197, Baldonnel 148, Old Belvedere 147, Westwood 131, Spheres 124, Total Fitness Castleknock 68

 

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

MENS DIVISION 5

 

WINNERS:  FITZWILLIAM 281               RUNNERS-UP: JOE MAY 268

 

Mt Pleasant 244, Naas 230, Leinster 229, ESB Sportsco 227, Total Fitness Castleknock 216, Trinity 202, RTE 178, Baldonnel 171, Old Belvedere 160, Arklow 153)

 

 

 

* * * * *

 

MENS DIV 6

 

WINNERS: MT PLEASANT  133  RUNNERS-UP: SPHERES 120

 

Old Belvedere 101, Total Fitness 91, Fitzwilliam 55, Guinness 42)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CUP COMPETITION

 

 

 

The Cup competition began almost immediately after the end of the League season. We have been using this system recently as opposed to running the competition throughout the season in between league matches. It seems to be working very well and led to another successful event.

 

 

The Cup Finals took place in Mt Pleasant Squash Club on Saturday 8th May this year and was run very successfully by Marian Bermingham, Maria Blair, Gerry Delaney and Gerry Callanan. Thanks to them and all involved. Special thanks to the referees, Maria Blair, Eddie Redmond, Brian Williams, Brian McNally and Brian Mahon who have no hesitation in helping out time and time again.

 

 

All matches were completed to plan and we were delighted to witness such brilliant squash as was played by Aisling Blake and Emma Toolan in the Ivy Hadden Premier Section. Each game was as exciting as the next and we had to wait until the fifth game to see who would take the title. The games scores were as follows: 13/15, 15/6, 16/17, 15/9, 15/11.

 

 

The Mens Club Championships brought more thrills when Paul Byrne of Westwood, having been 2/0 up was seriously challenged by Brian Byrne of Fitzwilliam Ltc to eventually lose the match 3/2. These matches along with many more are what Squash is all about and we thank the players for entertaining us throughout the season.

 

 

Thanks to Tom McKeon of Tasty Options for providing the Food for the occasion which was very welcome after such a long day and to the brilliant sounds of the band, Eclipse, who gave us a wonderful array of music to finish off the season. We were delighted to see such a great number of players and supporters join Leinster Squash for the Presentation of prizes and stay around for the Entertainment. It was a great end to a wonderful season. Mt Pleasant is a great venue and once again we would like to thank them most sincerely for their facilities.

 

 

 

 

We are proud to announce the winners and runners-up as follows:

 

 

IVY HADDEN TROPHY

 

WINNERS: FITZWILLIAM A       RUNNERS-UP: SUTTON A

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

LADIES DIVISION 1 & 2

 

WINNERS:  WESTWOOD B          RUNNERS-UP: FITZWILLIAM B

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

MENS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

 

WINNERS:  FITZWILLIAM A      RUNNERS-UP:  WESTWOOD A

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

GRAY CUP – MENS DIVISION 1 & 2

 

WINNERS: LEINSTER A               RUNNERS-UP: SUTTON B

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

MENS DIVISION 3 & 4

 

WINNERS: CURRAGH A               RUNNERS-UP: SANDYCOVE A

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

MENS DIVISION 5 & 6

 

WINNERS: FITZWILLIAM F        RUNNERS-UP: TOTAL FITNESS C

 

 

           

 

 

           

REFEREEING & MARKING

 

 

 

A Refereeing Course was held during the season and the exam was held in Mt Pleasant Squash Club on the 8th May 2004. We are delighted to welcome Stephen O’Connor as our newest Referee and hopefully we will see him (gaining lots of experience) at our tournaments in the Future.

 

We will be holding another course next year and we urge all Clubs to advertise and encourage their players to take part. Everybody is welcome to participate.

 

Leinster Squash would like to thank all our current Referees for coming to our aid wherever and whenever. Thanks to Brian Williams and Marian Birmingham for running the Course and arranging the referees for our tournaments.

 

 

 

 

 

PUBLICITY / MEDIA COVERAGE

 

 

All results are now available in the Irish Times Newspaper thanks to Malachy Logan and The Irish Independent thanks to Pat Courtney and his crew. We have even managed to get the Sponsors names into the papers.

 

During the second half of the season we successfully got Aertel on board. They were committed to the Rugby World Cup early on and promised us a place when it finished. They kept their word and thanks to Shane Murray and James Boylan of RTE the results, again along with Sponsors names, are updated daily on Networks 2, page 507.

 

This publicity has caused a buzz and we have had great feedback from all teams, so much so that they submit their results first thing in the morning and I have to chase very few results to make the newspaper’s deadline. Thanks everyone for that.

 

Next Season we will change the rules in relation to the Cup Results being sent to the Administrator. We feel that in order to continue to keep the media coverage we should have the results entered as with the Leinster Leagues, the following day before 11.00 a.m. This would also allow the teams to follow progress and have immediate access to their next opponents.


 

 

 

 

SPONSORSHIP

 

 

 

As you will have seen from the Website, Newspapers and Aertel, along with fixtures posted in your Clubs during the season, we managed to get very valued Sponsorship for six of our Leinster League Divisions.

 

Our thanks go to:

 

Greg Cooke, cfs Cooke Financial Services, Sponsors of the Mens Premier Division

 

Arthur Moore, Styl-Optik,                              Sponsors of Mens Division 1

 

Alan Sheeran, Sheeran Insurance Brokers,    Sponsors of Mens Division 2

 

Tom McKeown, Tasty Options,                      Sponsors of Mens Division 3

 

Shane McElroy, FEXCO Group Marking,      Sponsors of Mens Division 4

 

Ann Mc Clure, Sartorius,                                Sponsors of Ladies Premier Division

 

The response from our Sponsors was very positive and they feel that they got very good coverage and were delighted to see their company names in the papers and on Aertel. We would hope to keep them on board for next year and we would like to remind everyone that there are many more League and Cup Divisions available. We would hope to have full sponsorship next season and we will continue to give our Sponsors the respect and coverage they deserve. They are essential in any sport and are giving very valued aid.

 

If you are interested in joining the team of Sponsors or know someone who may be willing to help, please contact Leinster Squash (lsquash@gofree.indigo.ie / 8396299 or any member of the Council. If you would prefer to just make a donation and remain anonymous we would be more than willing to comply with your request.

 

Our Men’s Division 3 Sponsors, Tasty Option catered for the Cup Finals day in Mt Pleasant and we were delighted to be able to give back some business to one of our Sponsors. We would hope that if other individuals or events require caterers or services supplied by our Sponsors, that they too would consider looking them up. All of their information will remain on the Website for the time being.

 

FIRST ACTIVE have, once again, sponsored our Leinster Squash Senior Closed Championships. This Sponsorship was achieved by Eoin Ryan and Sutton Lawn Tennis Club, who run this annual tournament on behalf of Leinster Squash. We are very grateful to Gary Donnelly and First Active as they provided for a very eventful tournament and an entertaining evening, which was organised by Sutton LTC. Gary has acknowledged his delight in being a part of this competition and with the response achieved from his sponsorship and we would be happy to have him back next year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SENIOR CAPTAINS & SELECTORS

 

 

 

 

 

Dara O’Flynn, agreed to take on, again this season, the task of being Mens Captain and a selector for Leinster Squash. This entails the Mens Captain compiling all the Mens Premier results on a weekly basis along with Ranking Tournament results for the purpose of keeping Leinster supplied with a constantly up to date Ranking List and selecting teams for forthcoming events. Unfortunately Dara had to leave us as his work has taken him out of the country. We wish to thank Dara for his years with us and should he ever return he would be welcome.

 

Gerry Callanan and Chris Collins joined Dara this season as selectors. Gerry and Chris took over the task from Dara and along with Jim Flynn who is now on board, they have continued to up date the rankings. They have also organised the Interprovincials. Gerry Callanan has agreed to become Mens Captain and we hope all three will stay with us.

 

Michaela Harty joined the forces as Ladies Captain this season as Sinead Aiken, our former Captain went trekking over hills afar. Michaela, together with Len Redmond and Rosie Barry have taken on their task and completed their first year with us. It is important to have selectors who have their finger on the button so to speak and know what is going on at the heart of squash at this level. We thank Michaela, Len and Rosie for their dedication and would be grateful if they could remain at the helm for the coming season.  

 

OPEN CLUB TOURNAMENTS HELD IN LEINSTER

 

The Club Open Tournaments are a crucial aspect of Squash and we would like to thank the organisers and players of The Mt Pleasant Open, The Old Belvedere Handicap Open and The Aer Lingus Open. We would also like to thank Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club and their Squash Committee who brought some of the best ladies Squash players to our shores to play in the WISPA IRISH NIVEA OPEN.

 

 

Mt Pleasant Open

 

 

The Mt Pleasant Open, which is an Annual Event was held on 30th January 2004 - 1st February 2004 in both Mt Pleasant Squash Club and Leinster Cricket & Squash Club.
Marian Bermingham was Tournament Director assisted by Gerry Delaney, Tom
Sexton, Eugene O'Sullivan and Maria Blair.  We had a small anonymous
sponsor, who came through one of our members, but the person didn't
want to be named. It is always good to get sponsorship in any shape or form so we are very grateful for this assistance.


There were 60 Entries in total.

In the Mens A, Angus Kirkland (former Tour player and now our coach in Mt
Pleasant) beat Neal Murphy 3-1. In the Ladies A, there was a very close fought match between Len Redmond (Mt Pleasant No:1) and Katie Wilson (Ulster and Fitzwilliam) which Katie eventually won 3-2.  It was the best Ladies final we have had in years.

Tournament Results as Follows:

 

MENS A                     Angus Kirkland           beat     Neal Murphy

LADIES A                  Katie Wilson               beat     Len Redmond

MENS B                     Karlis Zauers               beat     Evan Walsh
MENS B PLATE       Remas Kiss                 beat     Donal Murphy
MENS C                    Stephen O'Connor       beat     Gerry Hand
MENS C PLATE       Henry Gillanders         beat     Benny O'Brien

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE LEINSTER SENIOR CLOSED

 

 

 

For some years now Eoin Ryan and Sutton Lawn Tennis Club have taken over the running of the Leinster Senior Closed Tournaments on behalf of Leinster Squash. This is one of our most important events and once again Eoin with the help of the committee did a superb job.

 

This event saw the biggest entry for some years with 138 players competing in Mens A,B,C &D and Ladies A, B & C. The competition was run over a week to allow for all matches to be played and give players more flexibility with match times. Unfortunately the Mt Pleasant Open was hosted the weekend previous to this event and confused lots of entrants who thought that it was one and the same, so the date for these tournaments will have to be looked at for next season.

 

 Gary Donnelly and First Active graciously sponsored the tournament again this year and showed the importance of having a sponsor for these competitions. They have assured us of their commitment for next year and hopefully we will be able to keep them on board for some time to come. As part of the Sponsorship First Active supplied all players with a token to have a free drink on the night of the presentations. This was a very nice gesture and many players stayed around and enjoyed the entertainment supplied by “Eclipse” a two-man band who were fantastic playing music for all ages. We were so impressed that we booked them again for the Cup Finals Night. Should you wish to contact them with a booking in mind Leinster Squash would be more than willing to pass on their number?

 

Thanks to Sutton Lawn Tennis Club for their fantastic Club facilities and friendly welcome.

 

Our congratulations to all the winners and thanks to all participants. The results are as follows:

 

MENS A:   John Abrahamse (Spheres)          bt         Nigel Peyton (Fitzwilliam)

 

MENS B:   John Fitzsimons(Westwood)       bt         Damien O’Reilly (Old Belvedere)

 

MENS C:   Dan Hayes (RTE)                        bt         Martin Maher (Sutton LTC)

 

MENS D:   Brian Parker (Carlow)                 bt         Kevin McCormack (Leinster CC)

 

LADIES A: Emma Toolan (Sutton)                bt         Jennifer Dillon (Westwood)

 

LADIES B: Sarah Cornish (Westwood)         bt         Patricia O’Carroll (Mt Pleasant)

 

LADIES C: Lorraine Keeley (BLCO)            bt         Mary Lennon (BLCO)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE LEINSTER SENIOR OPEN

 

This is Leinster’s Primary Event of the Season and unfortunately we have no Sponsor to date. The Leinster Senior Open gives us an opportunity to allow visitors from far and near to take part in this tournament and perform a display of wonderful Squash. The absence of a sponsor has hindered this event as we are unable to offer suitable prizes to entice such players to take part.

 

We would hope that next season will see a change and we will do or best to achieve a sponsor and encourage some top players to come and play for this title.

 

This season we were honoured to have Mt Pleasant Squash Club as the chief hosts for this event along with Leinster Cricket Club and Old Belvedere Squash Club. Our delegates from Sutton LTC, Martin Maher and ESB Sportsco, Tom Healy have taken on the running of this tournament as their contribution to Leinster Squash and we are very grateful for the excellent job that they did. Our thanks also to Marian Birmingham, Gerry Delaney, Eugene O’Sullivan and Maria Blair from Mt Pleasant for running this event and to Marie Bolger of Leinster CC and Damien O’Reilly of Old Belvedere for allowing us the privilege to use their courts. Thanks once again to all referees and markers for their help during the event, we always need referees and we find that so many people are so very willing to help out.

 

Madeline Perry ( Ireland’s Ladies No: 1 ) beat Aisling Blake of Fitzwilliam and it was great to see such standard of Squash. Liam Kenny (Ireland’s Mens No: 1)  entered the tournament but unfortunately had to pull out due to injury. Hopefully both players will enter again next season.

 

There was an entry of approximately 80 players competing in Mens A,B,C &D and Ladies A & B. The competition was run over a weekend with finals being played in Mt Pleasant on Sunday 2nd November 2003.

 

Our congratulations to all the winners and thanks to all participants. The results are as follows:

 

MENS A:   John Abrahamse (Spheres)          bt         Graeme Stewart ( Belfast )

 

MENS B:   Ross Lillis ( Galway LTC )         bt         Kevin Moore (Fitzwilliam LTC)

 

MENS C:   Roland Budd (Trinity)                 bt         Ferghal Field (Sutton LTC)

 

MENS D:   Dominick Tighe (Portmarnock)  bt         Darren Meade (Spheres)

 

LADIES A: Madeline Perry ( Ulster)             bt         Aisling Blake (Fitzwilliam LTC)

 

LADIES B: Claire Bergin (Mt Pleasant)        bt         Emer O’Brien (Total Fitness)

 

LADIES C: Lorraine Keeley (BLCO)            bt         Mary Lennon (BLCO)

 

 

 

 

 

 

LEINSTER SCHOOLS SQUASH COMPETITIONS

 

 

  

Another successful year was enjoyed by Leinster Schools Squash in the promotion and development of squash in schools in 2003/04. It gives me great pleasure to report that the schools programme has gone well and that young talent is being coached and nurtured at the various age groups.

 

It was decided to run four competitions again this year for both boys and girls in the age groups of U/13,U/15, U/17 & U/19. The league was run from November to mid-December, the Shield Competition in January to mid-February and the Cup/Plate Competition from February to mid- March.

 

All Leinster Schools were circularised in early September regarding entries for this years’ competitions. Fourteen schools entered the competitions and 55 teams participated in all (40 boys teams and 15 girls teams). The boy’s schools were Blackrock College, CBS Carlow, De La Salle College, Gael Colaiste Cheatharlach, Gonzaga, St Conleths, St Fintans, St Marys and St Michaels. The girl’s schools comprised of Caritas, Gael Colaiste Cheatharlach, Muckross, Our Lady’s Templeogue and Santa Sabina.

 

The League Competition started in early November and four teams were placed in each division. Games were played on a home and away basis and therefore each team had six matches. Games were played in accordance to the American Scoring System. Practically all games were played and the league was completed before Christmas. The winners and runners-up in each division received prizes.

 

The Shield Competition took place in January and some new teams were entered. The top two teams in each division were promoted. This ensured that there would be new winners of these divisions. Scoring in this competition was based on the Cumulative Scoring System i.e. every point counts. This creates quite a lot of excitement and enthusiasm among the players. It also ensured the keeping of accurate scores.

 

The Cup Competition took place from mid-February on a knock-out basis. Teams knocked out in the first round went into the plate competition, so every team had at least two games. The Cup finals took place in Fitzwilliam LTC on Wednesday 10th March. This was a great occasion for Schools Squash.

 

Prizes for all the competitions played throughout the year were made on this occasion. The guest of honour was the President of the Leinster Squash, Mr Ciaran Roche. Sixty-two trophies were presented in all and 336 individual prizes. The Schools Committee would like to thank Ciaran for his continued support and interest in Schools Squash and Fitzwilliam LTC for allowing us the use of their excellent facilities, once again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The winners of the various age groups in the Leinster Finals have qualified to represent Leinster in the All Ireland Schools Squash Finals, which take place towards the end of April.

 

The Leinster Schools Squash Committee would like to thank Leinster Squash for helping to pay for the prizes and supporting schools squash. A special thanks is due to Mr Ciaran Roche, the President of Leinster Squash, for his continued support and interest in the promotion of Schools Squash. Thanks to Brona Nyland for again monitoring the girl’s competitions. Mr Eoin Ryan deserves special thanks for his coaching of so many school players in Sutton, Fitzwilliam and Blackrock College. Mr Dermot O’Brien continues to do trojan work in promoting squash in the Carlow area. This was reflected in the two Carlow Schools winning six of the eight cups this year in the Schools Finals. Dermot also ran a schools Competition in the Carlow area for the promotion of squash in the local schools.

 

There are areas of concern for the schools programme in that apart from Blackrock and the Carlow Schools the game is struggling to survive in all others. This must be addressed by the provision of coaching in schools by Leinster Squash. Little or no funds have been allocated for this in recent years.

 

Clubs have been generous in giving their facilities to the schools for their competitions and they are to be commended for this. We would continue to urge them to offer concessionary rates to Junior members and to enrol the players from their catchment area. Clubs should seriously consider providing coaches for squash in the schools nearby, and thus ensure junior members and their own survival.

 

In general it was another satisfactory year of squash for schools and the standard remains high. A great effort was put in by a lot of people, and the teachers and coaches are to be commended for their efforts in encouraging their schools to participate. But a lot more needs to be done to continue to promote squash in schools and to get more schools involved, particularly girls schools.

 

 

 

Fr. Joseph A. Gough CSSp

Schools secretary.

 

 

 

Leinster Squash Council understand the importance of developing Squash at schools level and we thank Fr Joe Gough and his committee, most sincerely, for their commitment and hard work in the running of all the School Competitions.

 

 

LEINSTER SCHOOLS SQUASH

WINNERS & RUNNERS-UP

BOYS

LEAGUE

SHIELD

LEAGUE CUP

CUP

PLATE
U/19 Div 1

Blackrock A

St Fintans A

St Fintans A

Blackrock C

Blackrock A

Blackrock B

Blackrock

St Fintans

Blackrock B

Blackrock C

U/19 Div 2

Blackrock B

Blackrock C

 

 

 

 

U/17 Div 1

CBS Carlow

Blackrock A

Blackrock B St Fintans A

CBS Carlow

Blackrock A

CBS Carlow

Blackrock A

Blackrock C

Blackrock D

U/17 Div 2

Blackrock B

St Fintans B

Blackrock D

Blackrock E

 

 

 

U/17 Div 3

Blackrock C

Blackrock D

 

 

 

 

U/15 Div 1

Blackrock A

CBS Carlow

Blackrock B

St Fintans A

CBS Carlow

Blackrock A

CBS Carlow

Blackrock A

Blackrock C

Blackrock D

U/15 Div 2

Blackrock B

Gonzaga

Blackrock C

St Fintans B

 

 

 

U/15 Div 3

Blackrock C

St Conleths

Blackrock D

Gonzaga

 

 

 

U/15 Div 4

Blackrock G

Blackrock H

Blackrock E

Blackrock F

 

 

 

U/13 Div 1

Gael Colaiste

Blackrock A

Blackrock B

Blackrock C

Gael Colaiste

Blackrock A

Gael Colaiste

Blackrock A

Blackrock B

St Michaels

U/13 Div 2

Blackrock B

St Michaels

 

 

 

 

 

GIRLS

LEAGUE

SHIELD

LEAGUE CUP

CUP

PLATE
U/17 Div 1

Gael Colaiste

Muckross A

Caritas A 

Muckross B

 

Gael Colaiste

Muckross

Caritas B 

Muckross B

U/15 Div 1

Gael Colaiste

Caritas A

Muckross A

Our Ladys

Gael Colaiste

Caritas A

Gael Colaiste

Our Ladys

Caritas B 

Muckross B

U/15 Div 2

Caritas B

Our Ladys

 

 

 

 

U/13 Div 1

Santa Sabina

Gael Colaiste

Santa Sabina

Caritas A

Gael Colaiste

Santa Sabina A

Gael Colaiste

Santa Sabina

Santa Sabina

Caritas B

 

Best Overall Boys School:                Blackrock College

 

Best Overall Girls School:               Gael Colaiste

 

Best Individual Girl U/13:                Sorcha Ni Murchu ( Gael Colaiste)

 

Best Individual Boy U/13:                Frank Kelly (Blackrock College)

 

Best Individual Girl U/15:                Catriona Mi Murchu ( Gael Colaiste)

 

Best Individual Boy U/15:                Brian Parker (CBS Carlow)

 

Best Individual Girl U/17:                Niamh Ni Bhraonain ( Gael Colaiste)

 

Best Individual Boy U/17:                Adam Hennessy(CBS Carlow)

 

Best Individual Boy U/19:                Jack Doyle (Blackrock College)

 

 

 

DUBLIN VETERANS 2003/2004 SEASON

 

 

LEAGUES:

 

We had one less teams this year – Mt Pleasant dropped from 3 to 2 teams.

 

The teams per division were:

 

Division 1 – 6 Teams

Division 2 – 6 Teams

Division 3 – 8 Teams

 

Teams played each other 3 times during the season on a ‘home’, ‘away’, and a ‘drawn’ venue basis. The results were as follows:

 

 

 

DIV

PTS

WINNER

PTS

RUNNER-UP

1

194

Aer Lingus A

179

Spheres/Curragh

2

209

Aer Lingus B

167

Mt. Pleasant A

3

252

Old Belvedere C

239

Sandycove

 

 

CUP COMPETITION:

 

 

The Cup matches for each Division were played in March/April with the Finals in

RTE/Old Belvedere on Thurs 15th April. 

 

The Cup results were as follows:

 

 

DIV

WINNER

RUNNER-UP

1

Spheres/Curragh

Leinster A

2

Aer Lingus B

Mt Pleasant A

3

Coombe

Old Belvedere C

 

 

 

Sponsorship:

 

 

The Veterans section is indebted to two generous players from RTE for the sponsorship of the Leagues and Cup matches and to Guinness Ireland for their sponsorship of the finals night in

R. T. E.

 

COMPETITIONS:

 

                  Leinster Veterans Open – was sponsored by Mantwood Investments and O’Connor Property Group and held in Fitzwilliam on 7th to 9th November 2003.

 

Results were as follows:

                 

 

Leinster Veteran Open Results

SECTION

WINNER

RUNNER UP

MENS OVER 45

Jack Allen

Seamus Hickey

MENS OVER 50

Derry Mc Carthy

Terry Norman

MENS OVER 55

Stanley Campbell

Brendan Barry

MENS OVER 60

Mossie Collins

Gerry Byrne

LADIES OVER 40

Ann Sheppard

Len Redmond

LADIES OVER 45

Feena Murray

Jean Sutton

 

 

Irish Veterans Open – was sponsored by Fitzwilliam and held in Fitzwilliam from 27th to 29th Feb 2004.

 

Results were as follows

 

Irish Veterans Open Results

SECTION

WINNER

RUNNER UP

MENS OVER 45

Ian Bradburn

David Gotto

MENS OVER 50

Geoff Irwin

Terry Norman

MENS OVER 55

Stanley Campbell

Brendan Barry

MENS OVER 60

Eamon O'Reilly

Mossie Collins

LADIES OVER 40

Ruth Sweetnam

Anne Gray

LADIES OVER 45

Norrie O’Grady

Christine Lowry

LADIES OVER 50

Anita Mylotte

Eileen McCarthy

(Hon. League Sec. – Dublin Veterans Squash)

 

Leinster Squash would like to thank Brian and the Vets committee for their continued hard work running the Dublin Vets League and Cup Competitions. We are delighted to see another successful year completed and look forward to seeing you all again next season.


 
SATURDAY LEAGUE

 

We were delighted to see the Saturday League and Cup competition come to the end of another successful season. Thanks to the Committee, Tom McKeon, Arthur Moore, Patricia Sweeney and Don Conway for all their help and support throughout the year. The number of teams who competed in the event was 32 and the results were as follows:

                                                           MENS 1st DIVISION

 

LEAGUE WINNERS: AER LINGUS         RUNNERS-UP: ESB SPORTS CO

 

CUP WINNERS: AER LINGUS                  RUNNERS-UP: ESB SPORTS CO

* * * * *


        MENS 2nd DIVISION

 

            LEAGUE WINNERS: SANDYCOVE        RUNNERS-UP: - LEINSTER A

 

CUP WINNERS: SANDYCOVE                 RUNNERS-UP: LEINSTER B

 

* * * * *
 
       MENS 3rd DIVISION

 

LEAGUE WINNERS: COLS BOYS           RUNNERS-UP: AER LINGUS


CUP WINNERS: SANDYCOVE                 RUNNERS-UP: COLS BOYS
 
This year we had a new event to Saturday League & Cup Competitions, The Jim Humphrey’s Trophy, which added to the number of Trophies presented at the end of the Season. As many of you will know Jim Humphries was a very popular and avid Squash Player and we were very proud to have this event in his honour.

 

The Jim Humphrey's Trophy Competition Results are as follows:

 

MENS 1st DIVISION

 

WINNERS: PHOENIX A                             RUNNERS-UP: AER LINGUS B

 

* * * * *


MENS 2nd DIVISION

 

WINNERS: OLD BELVEDERE                 RUNNERS-UP: LEINSTER A

 

* * * * *


MENS 3rd DIVISION

 

WINNERS: ACCENTURE                          RUNNERS-UP: SPORTSLINK


 

 

 

 

LADIES 1ST DIVISION

 

 

 

LEAGUE WINNERS: SPORTSLINK  RUNNERS-UP: ESB SPORTS CO

 

CUP WINNERS: AER LINGUS             RUNNERS-UP: - COLS CHICKS

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

LADIES 2ND DIVISION

 

 

 

LEAGUE WINNERS: ACCENTURE   RUNNERS-UP: - PHOENIX FL


CUP WINNERS:  ACCENTURE    RUNNERS-UP: - PHOENIX GIRLS
 
 

 


Ciaran Seoighe President of Irish Squash attended the prize winning
presentation.  The function was held in Alsaa and a good time was held by
all.
 
Kind regards

 

James Caulfield

SENIOR INTERPROVINCIAL 2004

 

The Senior Interprovincials was held over the weekend of the 23rd / 24th April 2004. This year the Leinster Teams headed south to Cork to compete in this event. Unfortunately, with the absence of Derek Ryan, Angus Kirkland, John Abrahamse and Brian Lalor, who were unavailable due to prior arrangements and Eoin Ryan and Neil Byrne due to injury, the selectors were forced into fielding a very young team.

 

The Teams were as follows:    [1] Nigel Peyton          ( Fitzwilliam LTC )

[2] Neal Murphy         ( Carlow LTC )

[3] Dara O’Flynn        ( Fitzwilliam LTC )

[4] Brian Byrne           ( Fitzwilliam LTC )

[5] Arthur Gaskin        ( Carlow LTC )

[6[ Paul Byrne            ( Westwood )

[7] David Cassidy       ( Mt Pleasant )

[8] Roland Budd         ( Trinity College )

[9] Gerry Callanan      ( Fitzwilliam LTC) (Captain)

[10] Rory Byrne          ( Fitzwilliam LTC )

[11] Fergal Field         ( Sutton LTC )

 

Sundays Well Squash Club:  On Friday night, Leinster “A”, Nigel Peyton, Neal Murphy, Brian Byrne and Arthur Gaskin beat Connacht 3-2 in a very tight match. In the “B” competition David Cassidy, Roland Budd, Gerry Callanan and Ferghal Field beat Connacht “B” 3-2. This was a good start to the Competition and we were looking forward to the next day when we would take on Munster.

 

Silver Springs Squash Club:  On Saturday morning Leinster “A”, Nigel Peyton, Neal Murphy, Dara O’Flynn, Brian Byrne and Arthur Gaskin unfortunately lost to Munster 1-4. The Munster Team went on to win the title powered by the English born duo Paddy Foster and Phil Cullinane. The “B” competition brought more disappointment as Leinster lost this match 2-3, losing 3 of the rubbers 3-2 which left them in 2nd place with Connacht 3rd. On Saturday afternoon Leinster lost 2-3 with the same team they had used in the morning session with Neal Murphy suffering his only defeat of the weekend losing to Ulster’s Andrew Browne 9-8 in the fifth set. It was good to see 2 juniors lining out with Brian Byrne and Arthur Gaskin having their first year in the senior ranks.

 

Leinster also sent a Ladies Team to the Interprovincials:

 

The Team was as follows:       [1] Emma Toolan        ( Sutton LTC )

[2] Jennifer Dillon       ( Westwood )

[3] Marguerite Burke  ( Old Belvedere )

[4] Claire O’Brien       ( Fitzwilliam LTC )

[5] Michaela Harty     ( Westwood )

[6[ Pam Coleman        ( Aer Lingus )

 

In the Women's Competition the Connacht team had wins of 5-0 over Munster, Leinster and defending champions Ulster.

 

The presentation dinner was held in Highfield and was attended by Ciaran Seoige (Irish Squash President) and William Klinsman from Irish Squash, Lee Healy (Munster Squash President and Gerry Callanan (Leinster Squash President).

 

 

 

INTERCOUNTIES 2004

 

 

The Intercounties is the English County Championships, which the Provinces of Ireland are permitted to take part in. Leinster sent five of their finest to England for the first stage which took place on the 22nd – 23rd November 2003. The Team representing Leinster was as follows:

 

                                                John  Abrahamse        (Spheres)

                                                Eoin Ryan                   ( Sutton LTC)

                                                Nigel Peyton               ( Fitzwilliam LTC)

                                                Neal Murphy               (Carlow)

                                                Brian Byrne                (Fitzwilliam LTC)

 

 

 

1st Match:       Leinster beat Oxfordshire 5/0

 

2nd Match:      Leinster beat Worchester 5/0

 

3rd Match:      Leinster beat Cumbria 4/1

 

 

The second stage took place in Carlisle, England on the 13th – 14th March 2004 and once again Leinster had the upper hand.

 

 

1st Match :      Leinster beat Cumbria 5/0  

 

2nd  Match:     Leinster beat Northumbria 4/1

  

3rd  Match:     Leinster lost to Cambridgeshire 3/2  

 

 

This result together with the first stage results has guaranteed Leinster a promotion to the Division 1 section of the Intercounties for next season. A successful weekend and congratulations to the lads from all in Leinster Squash.

 

 

The Intercounties Competition gives our Leinster players a chance to play against the best in England. It provides a good “stepping-stone” for our younger player who may progress to the International circuit to gain invaluable experience at this high level of Squash. 

 

Leinster would hope to field a LadiesTeam to travel to the Intercounties next season.

LEINSTER JUNIORS

 

 

INTERPROVINCIALS:

 

42 players represented Leinster in this years championships held in Galway Tennis Club. Leinster won the u15 boys title and the u13 girls title. We were runners up in the U17 boys and u17 girls titles. The competition was extremely keen and I commend Ulster for the professional approach adopted by the coaches and participants.

 

  

OTHER COMPETITIONS

 

This season we also ran the Leinster Junior Open, Irish Nationals and Leinster Junior Closed.

 

I am particularly enthused by the increase in the numbers of children playing squash in Leinster. We held a 32 draw for the first time in the under 15 boys section in the Leinster Junior Open. For the first time ever, we had a full 16 draw of U/11 boys in the Leinster Junior Closed. There seems to be a concerted effort to increase the numbers of girls playing the game and while it is not enough, the future is beginning to look bright.

 

The job of Junior Co-ordinator involves gathering a lot of people to help out and I would like to pay tribute to the following who were unstinting in their support throughout the last 2 years, Dermot O’Brien, Phil and Viv Moore, Majella and Mick Kilduff, Tommy and Catherine Maher, Brian and Maura Dolan, John Murphy, Tony Crowley and Peter Lawlor. If I have left anyone out it is because Suzanne is putting me under terrible pressure to get this to print and apologies.

 

 

INTER CLUBS LEAGUE:

 

Maura Dolan ran the interclub league again this year and this league is geared towards the beginner level of squash and plays a great part in encouraging the children to develop their skills and take part as representatives from their clubs. Following is Maura’s Report on how the event progressed this season:

 

During the 2003\2004 season a Leinster Junior Inter-Club League was organised to provide an opportunity for junior squash players to meet with players of a similar standard from other clubs.

 

The participants were enthusiastic about playing matches and testing their skills against other juniors.  They enjoyed the opportunity for meeting other juniors of a similar age.  In all 7 clubs entered teams in the U/11, U/13 and U/15 age groups. Each team comprised 3 players and some clubs such as Sutton and ALSAA fielded more than one team in a section. It was encouraging to see a significant increase in the number of new juniors playing squash this season, particularly in the U/11 and U/13 age groups.  Hopefully, these juniors will be nurtured and encouraged to keep playing.

 

 

 

Many thanks to Eoin Ryan and Sutton Lawn Tennis Club for hosting the prize-giving ceremony on Sunday, 25th April 2004. Prizes were presented by Dominic Tighe, Leinster Junior Administrator. The results of the League are as follows: 

 

U/11 SECTION

 

1ST PLACE:  SUTTON PUMAS            2ND PLACE:  SUTTON JAGUARS

 

* * * * *

 

U/13 SECTION

 

1ST PLACE:  SUTTON TIGERS              2ND PLACE:  SUTTON WILDCATS

 

* * * * *

 

U/15  SECTION

 

1ST PLACE: WESTWOOD PENGUINS    2ND PLACE: SUTTON WASPS

 

Players who were not on the above teams were presented with a Certificate of Participation at the prize-giving ceremony.

 

Many thanks to Janice Quane of Coca-Cola for organising refreshments for the prize-giving.

 

I would like to thank the parents and coaches of the participating clubs for taking the time to organise and supervise matches:  ALSAA, Blackrock College, Carlow Tennis Club, Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club, Spheres, Sutton Lawn Tennis Club and WestWood

 

Next year  ....  we would welcome hearing from other interested clubs and juniors.

 

Finally, many thanks to Suzanne Ryan for her support and assistance.

 

 

 

 

Maura Dolan

 

Leinster Junior Inter-Club League Co-Ordinator

 

LEINSTER JUNIOR CLOSED

 

The Leinster Junior Closed was held in Alsaa Squash Club and run by Dominick Tighe, Brian Dolan and their committee of dedicated helpers who worked throughout the weekend ensuring a smooth tournament. Leinster Squash would like to thank Alsaa for their great facilities. Alsaa provide not only a good standard within the club but also great viewing and is ideal for junior tournaments where we find that the players tend to stick around to watch all the matches and play “¾ court” with each other in between matches. The tournament was a great success with very good entries in the U/11 Boys, U/13 Girls & Boys and U/15 Boys. Results of the Leinster Junior Closed are as follows:

 

U/11 Boys       Winner: Sean Conroy             Runner-up: David Ryan

U/11 Girls      Winner: Brona Jordan             Runners-up: Aoife Jordan & Fiona Murphy

U/13 Boys       Winner: Eoin Dolan                Runner-up: Alex Swan

U/13 Girls      Winner: Grainne Murphy       Runner-up: Anna Clifford

U/15A Boys    Winner: Brian Parker              Runner-up: David Tighe

U/15B Boys    Winner: Cathal Fitzgerald       Runner-up: Sean Farrell

U/15 Girls      Winner: Afric Doran               Runner-up: Aishling Fitzpatrick

U/17 Boys       Winner: Eugene Devereux     Runner-up: Ciaran Murphy

U/17 Girls      Winner: Ciara Moloney          Runner-up: Roisin Brennan

U/19 Boys       Winner: Andrew Keeley         Runner-up: Kareem Zaki

 

 

LEINSTER RESULTS AT ALL COMPETITIONS

 

Roisin Brennan:  Winner Leinster and Munster Opens

 

Ciara Moloney:   Winner Leinster, Munster, Connacht Opens and Irish Nationals

 

Brian Parker:      Winner Connacht, Leinster and Munster Opens

 

Rory Byrne:         Winner Ulster, Leinster Opens and Irish Nationals

 

LEINSTER PLAYERS CHOSEN TO REPRESENT IRELAND

 

Home Internationals

 

Brian Parker

Roisin Brennan

Caitriona Murphy

Eoin Dolan

 

European Championships

 

Brian Parker

Rory Byrne

 

Worlds Championship

 

Fearghal Field

Sam Olwill

 

Suzanne Ryan/Leinster Squash Administrator