By Lindie Naughton
Squash PR

Irish squash fans enjoyed a rare treat when world No 2 Greg Gaultier from France arrived in Dublin to play at Derek Ryan's testimonial night in Fitzwilliam LTC on Friday 19 September. 

Gaultier proved a more than adequate substitute for English #1 James Willstop who was forced to pull out injured.  It ensured that Ryan, one of Ireland's most successful sportsmen and a true gentleman, was given a memorable 'send off' by fans, family and friends.

Ryan, the former World #7 and Irish #1, has been concentrating on his job as a physiotherapist since retiring from the pro game in 2002, but he had continued playing league squash and had put in a few months of extra practise.

He showed plenty of the old flair in an entertaining match, where Gaultier not only underlined his huge potential but managed to crack a few jokes as he did so. "People must have wondered why I wasn't responding but I was desperately trying to catch my breath!" said Ryan afterwards.

The scoreline at the end read 9-11, 10-12, 6-11.

Earlier, Gaultier had given young players David Ryan (U13), Sean Conroy (U15) and Max Gillanders (U17) the thrill of a lifetime when he played a game with each of them.

Afterwards came an auction for items conducted by Alex Gough, Chief Operating Officer of the Professional Squash Association, including what must surely by now be the world's most expensive squash racquet  - an old wooden racquet signed by Peter Nicol and Jahangir Khan.

"I feel very humble tonight," said Ryan. "I love this court in Fitzwilliam, which I know so well. To come out and see it absolutely packed for my testimonial match was a great thrill."

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