Ballyshannon Squash Club to officially reopen with renovated court

Ballyshannon Squash Club will officially reopen on December 12, with nine-time Irish champion Derek Ryan visiting to mark an exciting new chapter for Ballyshannon.

The club is giving new life to a near 50-year-old court, with the renovation of the court marking a major milestone for the club and the wider community, and ensuring that squash continues to have a home in Ballyshannon for years to come.

Originally built in 1977 by Mercy Convent School, now Coláiste Cholmcille, the court has served generations of players.

Attending the official reopening event is former world number seven, Derek Ryan, who was Irish champion on nine occasions from 1993 to 2012, and represented Ireland with over 200 appearances, alongside Eddie Murphy, coach developer, and Will Nicholson, Club and Community Development Officer with Squash Ireland (Northern Ireland).

The event will welcome masters players Mark Gilliland, Peter McNiece and Thomas Abraham, as well as Siobhan Parker and Keith Moran.

Ballyshannon Squash Club has said they were extremely grateful for funding, which made the project possible, from LEADER Donegal, alongside savings built up by the club, and Clann Credo played a vital role by bridging the finance needed to allow the project to proceed.

The renovation includes a new playing floor, upgraded walls, a full glass back wall, a downstairs viewing gallery, and improvements to the upstairs viewing gallery and toilets. The work will create a modern, welcoming facility for players, spectators, coaches and the next generation of squash enthusiasts.

The club is also working with Squash Ireland to secure an interactive squash wall, which would be a valuable addition for coaching and school engagement, providing new ways to introduce children to the sport through fun, interactive activities.

A statement by the Chairman of Ballyshannon Squash Club, Ivan O’Mahony, said: “While the renovated court is a major achievement, the club is already considering what might come next. The possibility of a second court and improvements to the entrance area are being explored, including potential support through the Community Sports Facilities Fund (CSFF).

“These ideas remain at an exploratory stage, but they reflect the club’s ambition to build on the progress already made and develop a facility that can meet the needs of a growing membership and the wider community.

“The club would like to thank Principal Cora Fagan and the Board of Management of Coláiste Cholmcille for their trust and support throughout this journey. Their willingness to work with the club has been important in bringing the project forward, and the club hopes to continue that positive relationship as it looks towards future possibilities.

“Above all, the renovation demonstrates what can be achieved when a community gets behind a shared ambition. From the original court built in 1977 to the modern facility taking shape today, Ballyshannon Squash Club is building on its history while opening its doors to a new generation.

“The club warmly invites the local community, former members, current players and anyone curious about squash to come along on Saturday, 12 December, and be part of the celebrations. Whether you are an experienced player or have never held a racket, there will be a welcome waiting for you.”