A squash club that was founded and has played on courts inside James Stephens Barracks in Kilkenny for 55 years has been told by the Department of Defence it was not aware the club had access to a military facility for all that time. The temporary Covid lockdown has turned into a permanent lockout for the members of Kilkenny Squash Club who are now pleading with the Department of Defence to come to some arrangement with the club to ensure its future survival. After a lifetime of commitment to the club, its president Dick Hanrahan says they can’t accept being ‘put out for no reason’. The club was formed in the late 1960s for both army personnel and civilians, who were paid-up members from the beginning. Since then the club has had as many as 180 members, won leagues and provided decades of sporting activity for many. But as other leisure and social facilities across the country reopened when lockdown lifted, the squash club was not permitted to resume activities. In correspondence to the club, last December, they were told ‘the Department was heretofore unaware of your pre-Covid access to a military facility on a non-regularised basis and unlicensed basis’. As a result of this the Department of Defence conducted a safety audit on the building and found it is ‘no longer fit for purpose as a squash playing facility’ due to the need for remedial works to the building and roof.The Department also says it needs the building for military training facilities. But the club says members have put their hands in their pockets in the past when the courts needed work. Members paid their membership fees all this time and in the 1980s more than 20 members bought ‘lifetime membership’ of the club to pay for refurbishments. Tommy Gleeson, the club treasurer, made ID cards for members to use going into the barracks, and they would sign in with gate security.When competitions with other clubs took place all visitors’ names were provided in advance, for security reasons. “We had a thriving club and to

placeholder image — A squash club that was founded and has played on courts inside James Stephens Barracks in Kilkenny for 55 years has been told by the Department of Defence it was not aware the club had access to a military facility for all that time. The temporary Covid lockdown has turned into a permanent lockout for the members of Kilkenny Squash Club who are now pleading with the Department of Defence to come to some arrangement with the club to ensure its future survival. After a lifetime of commitment to the club, its president Dick Hanrahan says they can’t accept being ‘put out for no reason’. The club was formed in the late 1960s for both army personnel and civilians, who were paid-up members from the beginning. Since then the club has had as many as 180 members, won leagues and provided decades of sporting activity for many. But as other leisure and social facilities across the country reopened when lockdown lifted, the squash club was not permitted to resume activities. In correspondence to the club, last December, they were told ‘the Department was heretofore unaware of your pre-Covid access to a military facility on a non-regularised basis and unlicensed basis’. As a result of this the Department of Defence conducted a safety audit on the building and found it is ‘no longer fit for purpose as a squash playing facility’ due to the need for remedial works to the building and roof.The Department also says it needs the building for military training facilities. But the club says members have put their hands in their pockets in the past when the courts needed work. Members paid their membership fees all this time and in the 1980s more than 20 members bought ‘lifetime membership’ of the club to pay for refurbishments. Tommy Gleeson, the club treasurer, made ID cards for members to use going into the barracks, and they would sign in with gate security.When competitions with other clubs took place all visitors’ names were provided in advance, for security reasons. “We had a thriving club and to

‘Don’t let this be the end’ - plea to reopen Kilkenny Squash Club facilities

Reporter

Published 22nd Feb 2023, 11:11 GMT

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ABOVE: Members of Kilkenny Squash Club in 1978. Scroll down to read more and click the arrow for more photographs! The James Stephens squash club was created in the Garrison Church, in the barracks. In 1969 it was renovated and two full-sized squash courts created. The club grew rapidly and in 1972 modern, concrete courts replaced the chipboard courts. They are still regarded as some of the best squash courts in the country and a joy to play on. “We started from nothing and ended up the top club in Leinster,” Dick recalled.The club brought visitors to the Officers’ Mess after tournaments and held their Christmas parties there. Kilkenny was always seen as a ‘worthy’ opponent club. They won several South-East leagues, from the 1970s to 1990s, as well as several wins of the Midland League.The club is affiliated to Squash Ireland. Over the years the club attracted players from all over the county, many GAA players too. Legendary Kilkenny hurling goalkeeper Noel Skehan was a regular and even played the night before an All Ireland. Before lockdown the club was just starting up a juvenile section.

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Premier division winner 1990-1991: Micheal Hayes winner, Comd. Gerry Freyne and Martin Glendon

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Club President, Dick Hanrahan, closing the door to the squash courts for the final time, last week, after taking down all the club’s framed photographs from over the years

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The 91/92 Ladies League winner Caroline Ryan presented with her prize by Comdt G Freyne (president) with club secretary B Brett

‘Don’t let this be the end’ - plea to reopen Kilkenny Squash Club facilities

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