The Rise of James Stephens Squash Club
The James Stephens Squash Club was created out of the Garrison Church on the grounds of James Stephens Military Barracks in Kilkenny.
In 1969 the church was renovated from an open indoor space where indoor sports events took place. In creation of the first squash courts, the church, which is stand alone, was fully cleared out and two full size squash courts were built. At that time the courts were built of timber chipboard material and were constructed in the centre of the church. At that time there was also a sauna for ladies and gents, two full size dressing rooms and toilets. Around this time, 1967 onwards, squash was a growing game and membership grew very quickly. Due to its fast growth the timber courts soon got into bad repair and, in 1972, under the supervision of a young Private Eamon Daly, two new courts were built of concrete blocks from the bottom of the floor in the church which was approx 5/6 ft under ground level. These two courts were the most modern courts built in Ireland at the time and the two front walls were lined walls where sand was filled between both walls and, to the present day, they are a joy to play against.
Both courts at that time had all walls lined and are still part of the squash courts. At that time also, the two courts had new floors fitted on balcony, ladies & gents’ dressing rooms, saunas, showers, toilets. Through the ‘70s and into the ‘80s membership was 170/180 members, so getting playing time was difficult at that time. Lt. Col Eamon Daly got the James Stephens Squash Club into squash tournaments across Ireland and this brought a lot of interest to the great facilities to other clubs around Ireland. They are still taking part in many leagues where other clubs come and play at James Stephens Squash Club. |
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Read more about the chapel building here