James Stephens Squash Club was started in 1969 in the Garrison church on the grounds of James Stephens Military Barracks in Ballybought St., Kilkenny. The courts, thanks to the supervision of Lt. Col Eamon Daly, became one of the most modern courts in the country. When Squash was in its heyday it had up to 180 members and was played at a high level in the leinster leagues. It had been open to both army personnel and the public for over 50 years until its closure due to covid in 2020. However, as final restrictions were lifted last year and the country opened back up, the squash club remained closed to its members. Despite numerous correspondences between the club, the army and the department of defense we have been unable to get it reopened. The issue has gone as far as Simon Coveney, the then minister for Defence, but to no avail. Every correspondence we have with them has the same sentiment. They're sympathetic to our situation but the responsibility to reopen lies with someone else.  And because everyone uses the same line we are unable to make any progress in re-opening.  

As this is the only squash club in Kilkenny we have nowhere else to go. It is not feasible to build a new squash court even if we are given a free site. The costs would be €500000 and upwards. It seems tragic that the last squash club of a sport that was once so popular in Kilkenny and provided so much enjoyment to many is about to close and for no real or justifiable reason.  

At this stage we have exhausted all avenues with the Barracks so we have decided to set up a petition to show them how much support there is in the community to get the club reopened.