How squash is making a racquet to get back in big time Since being a child, Niamh Maher has enjoyed the game of squash. Here she recounts a life-long love affair and meets the man who plays for a living 0Comments Is that the one with the walls? Thats usually the first question I hear when I tell people I play squash. RELATED ARTICLES A minority sport here in Ireland, squash boasts a small but extremely dedicated following. Despite this, it remains fairly obscure, with few people knowing how the game is played, let alone the health benefits. I played my first match at 10 years old, but truth be told I cant remember not being around squash courts. My parents took up the sport in their 20s, to keep fit and meet new people, so as young kids my brother and I were lumped on a squash court. The next 10 years are a blur of tournaments, Irish squads, meal tickets and play-offs. As I approached my 20s, my interest feigned. A shiny, new college life took centre stage and I found myself moving away from the sport . At 26, I was working away as a journalist, college was a distant memory and I found myself in the midst of a fitness buzz. The squash bug never really went away, so when the time was right I headed back to the courts. I joined Sutton Lawn Tennis Club in Dublin and was pleasantly surprised to see an abundance of juniors running onto court at every opportunity. The squash scene at Sutton is led by club professional Eoin Ryan; its a prime example of how the sport can thrive if talent and eagerness is nurtured. Eoin also runs a junior academy for elite players, and his son David and daughter Stephanie both have European rankings. With just three courts but big plans for redevelopment, Sutton Lawn Tennis Club has the potential and the right people to lead the way for squash in Ireland. In my quest to learn more about how squash has changed in the last decade, I sat down with National Champion and current Irish number 1 Arthur Gaskin A Dublin native who moved to Carlow at age 12, tennis was Arthurs first passion. Luckily enough, the resurfacing of courts at his local club pushed him onto a squash court. Arthur has spent the past 10 years travelling the world on the Professional Squash Association tour, and is now settled in New Jersey coaching kids while still playing competitively. Turning professional at 19, by his own admission it takes a lot to go pro. Commitment is the main thing, he admits. You have to sacrifice that typical lifestyle enjoyed by most 18- and 19-year-olds. You also need drive and the ability to push yourself every day, as no one else will. You must be strong, powerful and quick.So what would a typical training week in the life of a pro squash
Posted on: Sun, 18 May 2014 14:29:34 +0000
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