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RIP Frank Carrothers

The Ulster Chess deeply regrets to inform you of the passing of our fellow chess player, Frank Carrothers.

A tribute by Damien Cunningham

 

Big Frank

More unfortunate news for local chess when it was announced that another stalwart of Ulster chess, Frank Carrothers had passed away on Saturday. . “Big Frank” for many years played for the RVH chess club but when the RVH club closed he moved with the rump of the RVH members to the Fruithill club to continue playing.

A big guy with a bigger smile it was a pleasure to play against him because of his zest for attacking chess but it was a bigger pleasure just to be in his company because he was as friendly as he was large.

He loved the raucous banter whether he was victorious on the board or not. His team captains never had to find someone to stand in for Frank at late notice because he was mister reliable for all his teams over the decades.

Frank will fondly be remembered by all in the UCU, he’ll be remembered for finishing every sentence with “sures”  and he’ll be remembered for knocking over higher rated opponents on a regular basis.

Frank didn’t like to nibble at your rating points, no not Frank he was a big guy with a big appetite so he liked nothing better than taking great big chunks out of your rating then reminding you every time he saw you.

 

Frank you’ll be sadly missed “sures”

A story from fellow player Pat McKillen:

"Heres a story about Frank that I may have told a few people about his attacking style of play.

6 or 7 years ago, Nigel Short played a simul in Belfast and Frank had him on the ropes for most of it but eventually lost. However the next day I drove Nigel down to Bunratty and he said that franks game was the best game of the evening by a mile and also one of the best simul games he had played in a long long time. I told Frank this when I next saw him, biggest smile I’d ever seen on his face."

 

Franks remains are currently available for respects at Browns funeral home on the Oldpark road 9am until 7pm until Saturday. Funeral to be held next Wednesday 12 o'clock mass in St Luke's.