UCU/CIYMS Summer Tournament

This traditional Summer go-as-you-please tournament had a new home this year at the CIYMS Chess Club, Circular Road, Belmont, because the usual venue at the Maynard Sinclair Pavilion was undergoing a complete refurbishment this summer. The overall winner was Stewart McConaghy (Bombardier CC). Although the Summer tournaments have been going for many years, this was the first time a trophy had been awarded to the winner. Stuart was both surprised and delighted to be the first recipient for over 30 years of the Hammel Cup, which had previously been awarded to the winner of the Handicap tournament of the Belfast Chess Club, until that club ceased to exist in 1971.

Stewart McConaghy (right) receiving the Hammel Cup
from UCU President David McAlister