Brian and I taught together in the Maths department we both specialised in applied mathematics. I still come across some workings of Brian in my old papers. His neat handwriting and presentation contrasted with my own ad hoc arrangements! There is one problem in Humphrey and Topping we couldn't solve between us. We then concluded then there was a mistake in the question!!

At that time we were running seven divisions in the Ulster League, with St Columb's in Derry and Belfast Inst being our main rivals in Division 1. Damian Walls and Chris Maitland were great supporters and when the British Marlwood event for school teams started in 1984 we shared a coach trip each year's own to Gloucester. We were strong teams but usually ended halfway down such was the competition. The first year Brian booked us into a local church hall. "Just bring your sleeping bag", said Brian. My it was Spartan for me and the boys but Brian slept like a top. I was better prepared year 2 on.

I still have one of Brian's Marlwood booklets where he has recorded every score in detail  as the rounds progressed.

The big event of the year was the fixtures meeting in September. Teachers from far out schools seemed to arrive early and just wanted to get the fixtures completed and get on their way. Not so with Brian. He would have a full board meeting!! The successes at Marlwood were rehearsed in detail and plans made to maximise our chances against the Dublin schools carefully planned. Then the choreographed moment for the election  of officers. We knew our packing order. Then the office of President  "Brian you'll do it "

proposed seconded and Brian " oh ok I'll do it" . It felt like a deja vu moment when I became president years later.

Brian retired from Methody in 1993. He then lived at his family home and farm in New Ross in Wexford. He always complained that his pension in sterling could not cope with the Celtic tiger. Our Methody team was entering a purple patch of achievement winning everything in Ulster and Ireland mainly having Brian Kelly on board 1. We reached the quarter finals of the prestigious British schools Times Tournament in 1994. In 1995 we played our quarter final match against the favourites Manchester Grammar at Stranraer. They were obviously expecting to win and I can still remember the shock on their teacher's face when he arrived back from lunch and we were well ahead! It was with great pleasure that I invited Brian to accompany me to London, all expenses paid, for the  semi finals and final at the Charing Cross Hotel. Our win was presented by snooker player Steve Davis. Back home I got the kudos but everyone knew the real source of our success, the humble man from Wexford. We were both interviewed on Ulster television.

Speaking of snooker! We had a snooker table in the staff room and an annual knockout tournament. One year Brian and George Acheson reached the final. The staff room was packed with teachers. Brian had his own style, walking around, looking at his next shot from every angle with a deliberate final execution. But he had the crowd behind him. Amid the hilarity the crowd would hush and cheer each shot. It was like a chess game with Brian tying George up in some snookers towards the end. He won. It was a late start to seventh period for a lot of classes.

Brian had several interests. He sang in choirs and participated in marathons, a fit man.   Then his farming interests back home. Every year I would get a detailed report on how his family were doing at Christmas time along with his card. He had connections with Derryvolgie parish church in Lisburn where I play piano. On several occasions he would arrive as he was visiting his daughter in  Lisburn. It was with sadness that I heard of his passing. A good man , a good friend and a chess legend,"

Graham

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An excellent article on Brian by Frank Scott entitled :

Brian Thorpe - Chess Legend

find the full text at : https://www.icu.ie/articles/228 article by Frank Scott

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Martin Kelly remembering his chess friend.