Two years, two major awards: Founder honoured nationally as Ballymena Squash Club lands Ulster title

Mark McKane (middle) after scooping the club lifted Ulster Squash Club of the Year 2025, with Ben and Daniel McKane, representing Ballymena Squash Club at Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club.

A squash club formed just two years ago is already reshaping the sport locally — with Ballymena Squash Club crowned Ulster Squash Club of the Year 2025 and its driving force Mark McKane recognised nationally as Squash Ireland Volunteer of the Year.

The double recognition marks a significant milestone for a club that only launched in January 2024, but has quickly built momentum both on and off the court as it works to revive squash in the Ballymena area.

The Ulster honour was announced during Squash Ireland’s National Masters tournament, held at the organisation’s headquarters at Fitswilliam Lawn Tennis Club on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 February 2026.

Announced: Ballymena Squash Club – Ulster Squash Club of the Year 2025

Representing the club at the ceremony were Mark McKane, Ben McKane and Daniel McKane, who accepted the Ulster Club of the Year trophy on behalf of the volunteers and members helping drive the sport forward locally.

The Fitzwilliam venue is well known on the professional circuit, regularly hosting PSA (Professional Squash Association) tournaments on its distinctive green-walled show court alongside six additional traditional courts.

A remarkable rise for a young club

The recognition highlights how quickly the club has established itself within the sport locally and nationally.

In its first year alone, Ballymena Squash Club attracted 44 registered members, creating what organisers describe as a vibrant and welcoming environment for both new players and experienced competitors.

Regular club nights, competitive box leagues and club championships now form a core part of the club’s calendar.

Community outreach has also been central to its development. The club has delivered youth taster sessions across Ballymena, including visits with 3rd Ballymena West Church Cubs and Scouts, helping introduce the sport to younger players.

Leadership recognised nationally

Mark McKane (middle) after scooping the Volunteer of the Year Award, with Ben and Daniel McKane, representing Ballymena Squash Club at Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club.

The club’s rapid rise has been driven by the leadership of Mark McKane, whose commitment to developing squash locally was recognised nationally when he was named Squash Ireland Volunteer of the Year for 2024.

Commenting on the club’s achievement, Niall Jackman, Ulster Squash Club Development Officer, said:

“Ballymena Squash Club has been crowned Ulster Squash Club of the Year 2025, a remarkable achievement for a club that only launched in January 2024.

“The prestigious award, announced in early 2026, recognises the club’s rapid growth and the impact it has made in reviving squash in the Ballymena area. In its first year alone, the club attracted 44 registered members, quickly establishing a vibrant and welcoming community for both new and experienced players.

“Regular club nights, competitive box leagues and club championships have become a staple of the club calendar, while outreach work has also played a key role in its development. The club has delivered youth taster sessions in the community, including visits with 3rd Ballymena West Church Cubs and Scouts, helping introduce the sport to a new generation.

“Central to the club’s success has been the work of Mark McKane, whose leadership and commitment were recognised nationally when he was named Squash Ireland Volunteer of the Year for 2024.”

“On the court, Ballymena continues to make its mark in the North West League, with both Ballymena A and Ballymena B competing strongly against established sides such as Mid-Ulster and Limavady.

“Looking ahead, the club remains heavily involved in the “Free Court 3” campaign, aimed at refurbishing facilities at Seven Towers Leisure Centre and securing a long-term home for squash locally.

“The award marks a significant milestone and reflects the club’s success in restoring Ballymena’s proud squash heritage.”

Within the club itself, the announcement prompted an outpouring of congratulatory messages from members.

One message in particular captured the mood, posted by a member affectionately known as “the legend”:

“Fantastic… very well deserved. I’ve played squash for a while now with a few clubs, but the enthusiasm and drive in our club is second to none. I’m proud to be a member of Ballymena Squash Club.

Success off the court — and on it

While the award recognises Ballymena Squash Club’s rapid development off the court, the club’s teams are also continuing to make their presence felt in regional competition.

A winning team: Ballymena Squash Club members.

Recent league fixtures have seen Ballymena players competing across both the South & East League Division 2 and the North & West League, with performances that underline the club’s growing strength since its formation.

South & East League Division 2 action

Away from the awards stage, Ballymena’s teams continue to compete strongly across regional leagues. In the South & East League Division 2, Ballymena travelled to face the Queen’s University Belfast side on Tuesday 24.

Anthony McCullough secured an early boost for the visitors with a 3–1 victory over Sophie Orr, taking the opening game 9–1 before recovering from a second-game setback to close out the match 9–5 and 9–0.

Nigel Devine faced Nathaniel Cunningham in the third seed tie, but Cunningham’s strong movement and control around the court saw him claim a 3–0 win for QUB.

Alison Nicholl then met Jayden Thakker in a repeat of their earlier season encounter. Despite a competitive contest with momentum swinging throughout, Thakker proved more clinical, taking the match for QUB.

The final tie saw Ballymena’s first seed Dan Greenaway take on Umar Faisal. Greenaway started strongly but was unable to close out the second game after leading 7–3, with Faisal winning it 10–8. Despite Greenaway claiming the third game 9–4, Faisal ultimately edged the hour-long contest, taking the fourth and fifth games and handing Greenaway a rare league defeat.

Despite the overall result, Ballymena collected six points, lifting the team to fifth place in the table.

North & West League finale

In the North & West League, Ballymena entered the final round sitting second in the standings and travelled to Brooke Park on Thursday 5 March to face league leaders Foyle Squash.

Although overtaking Foyle at the top of the table was mathematically impossible, Ballymena needed a strong performance to secure second place ahead of rivals Limavady.

Team captain Geoff Smyth faced a difficult opening match against Toby Roworth, who typically competes against Premier League-level players. Roworth secured the win with scores of 11–3, 11–6, 11–5.

However, Hugo Carlin delivered an important victory for Ballymena, defeating Paul McCusker 11–6, 11–8, 11–7 in the second seed tie.

Stephen Smyth stepped in for Jonny Workman, who was unavailable due to illness. Smyth won the second game 11–9 and pushed the contest close but ultimately lost to Mark Healey after a tight third game 10–12, before the final game finished 5–11.

Despite the defeat, Ballymena’s performance was enough to secure second place in the final league standings.

For a club that only formed two years ago, the results on and off the court suggest the momentum behind Ballymena squash is only just beginning.

At a glance

• Ballymena Squash Club has been named Ulster Squash Club of the Year 2025, just two years after forming in January 2024.

• The award was presented during Squash Ireland’s National Masters tournament at Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club in February 2026.

• The club has grown quickly, attracting 44 registered members in its first year and establishing regular leagues, club nights and championships.

• Community outreach includes youth taster sessions, including visits with 3rd Ballymena West Church Cubs and Scouts.

• Club leader Mark McKane previously received Squash Ireland Volunteer of the Year 2024 for his contribution to developing the club.

• Ballymena teams continue to compete across regional leagues, including South & East Division 2 and the North & West League.

• The club is involved in the “Free Court 3” campaign, seeking refurbishment of squash facilities at Seven Towers Leisure Centre.