Quilter Cheviot Cannon Kirk has been confirmed as title sponsor of next month’s Irish Open Squash, strengthening its position in Irish sport following the acquisition of Gillen Markets last year.

The five-day tournament will get underway on May 19 at the Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club, featuring a strong international field across both men’s and women’s draws.

Among the headline names are England’s Jonah Bryant, currently ranked No.10 on the PSA Tour, and Egypt’s Nada Abbas, ranked No.16 in the women’s game. Both return as former Dublin title winners from 2024.

The men’s draw will feature 24 players representing 14 nationalities, including 14 competitors ranked inside the PSA top 70. Defending champion Greg Lobban is set to return, alongside Irish representatives Sam Buckley (PSA No.106) and Conor Moran (PSA No.152).

In the women’s event, a similarly competitive 24-player field includes 15 top-70 players from 12 countries, with a strong Egyptian contingent. Irish interest will be led by wildcard entrants Breanne Flynn and Hannah McGugan.

Irish Senior Nationals champion Hannah Craig had been due to compete but has withdrawn following her qualification for the World Championship in Egypt. Her recent success at a European qualifying event marks the first time since 2014 that an Irish player has secured a place at the championships.

Both the men’s and women’s events will carry Professional Squash Association Copper status, with equal prize funds of $41,500, representing a continued upward trajectory in investment from $36,000 last year and $20,000 in 2024.

Squash Ireland CEO Scott Graham described the event as a key fixture in the annual calendar.

“The PSA Irish Open is one of the marquee events each year,” he said. “With Copper status and equal prize money, it continues to attract top players from around the world, alongside a strong Irish contingent whose rankings are improving year on year.”

From a Sport for Business perspective, the continued growth of the Irish Open, through increased prize funding, international participation and sustained commercial backing, reflects the broader momentum within squash as it builds towards greater visibility and commercial appeal through its place on the Olympic programme for 2028.

Image Credit: Squash Ireland

 

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