Season 16-17 - Ennis CBS Squash Club

Main menu:

Season 16-17

With the competitive squash season now ended for the summer months, the Ennis CBS club can reflect on a very satisfactory season at all levels of club activity.

The New Road venue, nestled in the grounds of the Ennis CBS primary school, has been a bustle of activity with almost 100 members this season. With three courts, a sauna and gym equipment, members have had ample opportunities to make full use of their low membership fee. With a dedicated competitions secretary, Clive Morgan, organising very regular Blitz nights, one-off weekend competitions and, of course, the monthly Ladder series, all members (especially new arrivals) are actively encouraged to participate and do so in large numbers. In the 21^st Century, time can be a scarce commodity with work and family pressures bearing down, so Squash is an ideal sport with a substantial and enjoyable workout being possible in the pre-bookable 45 minute slots that are available. There is a growing Ladies contingent in the CBS club, ranging from beginner level to a former Munster division one champion, and further increases in numbers is expected. The new season will begin on 1^st September next and anyone who wishes to dip their toe in a new sport (or even revive an old association!) are most welcome with the relevant contact details to be found on our contacts page

This season, Ennis CBS took the novel step of entering two teams in Munster League competition. In Division Three, the squad led by Masters international Mike Conlon and All-Ireland hurling medallist David Forde proved to be very competitive against very seasoned opposition. Near the end of the campaign, a trip to Waterford Celtic proved to be a bridge too far and the Ennis CBS team’s chances were ended. However, it was a very worthwhile chance to ‘blood’ some of the previous year’s Division Four winning squad and hopes are high that another strong challenge was be made in Autumn 2017 and beyond.

The Division Four squad overcame an early loss to Silversprings of Cork to reach the semi-final stage where, again, the team overcame a first-leg loss to Kilbrin of North Cork, producing a tremendous home leg performance with Lissycasey’s Martin Daly and Crusheen’s Hugh O’Donnell proving superb reinforcements. This qualified Ennis CBS to face a rematch against Highfield of Cork at the Limerick Lawn club. Highfield were determined to avenge their final defeat in 2016. Expert displays by Martin Daly and Declan Downey gave Ennis CBS early hopes but Highfield rattled off three wins in a row to take the title. Ennis CBS will hope to be competitive again next season with former Clare hurling captain, Paddy Vaughan of Crusheen, expected to be part of the squad.

Division four team that lined out for the final: Martin Daly, Cathal Lynch, Oisin Casey, Declan Downey and Martin Sexton

As well as team events, several Ennis CBS players competed on the Masters circuit of provincial championships. Mike Conlon had a very good season, reaching several finals and maintaining his customary place on the Munster and Ireland team. Joe Whelan and John O’Shaughnessy had improved years on the circuit, with Whelan attaining the distinction of his first Ireland ‘cap’ at the Home Internationals in Cardiff in April this year.

In the Over 35’s and Over 40’s catagories, Ennis CBS once more had the honour of hosting the Munster Masters Open in January (the fourth such hosting by tournament director Clive Morgan). The superb standard of play once again enthralled the watching local members who attended in huge numbers.

Players and supporters from the over 35’s and over 40’s Masters Open.

For the bulk of the membership, the ‘bread and butter’ of the season is the monthly Ladder. With almost 50 players, across 9 divisions of graded competition, this is a place for everyone to enjoy some competition at a level that suits their ability. It also allows new members to make contacts for regular ‘friendly’ matches and ensures that everyone gets great enjoyment from their membership of the Club. In a competitive sense, there has been great improvements in many players’ standards – Mike Brophy proved himself very much at home in Division One at the first time of asking, Denis Meehan’s huge technical advancement in recent times was rewarded with a place in the Premier Division, Viachaslav Chechun’s power and pace gave him many successes and the vast majority of players made tangible improvements which enhanced their enjoyment across the spectrum of ability.

All in all, we are in rude health with an active membership and with hopes to further expand membership to the benefit of all.