You are here: Home Archives Ulster Chronicles 2004-2005 Season UCU Web and another one bites the dust

and another one bites the dust

Fortwilliam on form against Hillsborough
With their recent move to Deriaghy, Hillsborough have found a new lease of life. Club numbers have grown dramatically with lots of new talent pushing the regulars. On Tuesday, they continued their challenge for League honours no doubt expecting to consolidate their 2nd place. But they didn't reckon on a revitalised Fortwilliam.

Visitors, Fortwilliam, suffered an ignominious 4-1 defeat at home early in the season. The New Year, though, has seen a transformation in the teams fortunes. Perhaps some shady deal done with North Belfast and a free transfer of Eamonn Walls has something to do with it but the team has maintained a clean sheet against good opposition since the Christmas break.

While Arsenal played on the big-screen next door, Fortwilliam ignored the distraction and held Hillsborough to an even score after four boards, with a good win by youngster Conor McEwan on board 5. The match result depended on top board and Martin Donaghy looked to have the best of it against Bruce McLean. An awkward position where precision was essential; Bruce conceded to give Fortwilliam the match.

Along with Bangor Groomsport, Fortwilliam renew their challenge for the League with Hillsborough, Bombardier and Bangor Barracudas all suffering since the New Year. Despite RVH Hawks sudden return to form and claim on League title, doubts remain about their consistency and the derby match in Bangor on Thursday may be the turning point which determines League honours.
News
Exciting changes to the Sligo event in 2026. Now a multi-tournament chess festival. Save the dates in your calender Jan 30th to Feb 8th. The Sligo event is undergoing a major transformation in 2026 from a weekender to a multi-tournament festival. The Sligo ... Oct 16, 2025
The Monthly Childrens Chess Kicks off Oct 25th at Methodist College ** New date ** The LJCC Belfast Qualifier a one day 6 round tournament starts our annual series of monthly tournaments a... Oct 09, 2025
The 2025 Summer tournament ends with a fun tournament and award ceremony Weds 24th September 2025 saw 24 players gather to celebrate the end of the UCU Summer Tournament. Who won? we have the f... Sep 27, 2025
Belfast Qualifier for the British Open Blitz 2025/26 Belfast runs one of 16 tournaments that allow players to qualify for the British Open Blitz tournament. The top player a... Sep 27, 2025
The Annual UCU Summer School at Ormeau Park We had 18 young chess players for 3 days of brilliant chess activities over Weds/Thurs/Fri 6th, 7th, 8th August 2025. At... Sep 14, 2025
More news…
« October 2025 »
October
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031
Upcoming Events
LJCC - Belfast Qualifier 2025: 25th October - re-organised An opportunity for Primary Students to Qualify for the London Junior Chess Championships and for Secondary pupils to enj... Oct 25, 2025 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM — Methodist College,1 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 6BY
FIDE RATED City of Bangor 10 Round Halloween Blitz at 3+2 Celebrate Halloween with 10 rounds of Chess Blitz at City of Bangor Chess Club. Thursday 30th October. Oct 30, 2025 07:15 PM - 10:00 PM — City of Bangor Chess Club, Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street Groomsport
November 1st Childrens Chess 12:30 – 5:00 The monthly schools chess tournaments continues at Methodist College. Nov 01, 2025 12:30 PM - 05:00 PM — Methodist College,1 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 6BY
FIDE RATED Bangor Club Masters Rapid 2025 [10 rounds of 25+0 over two days] Open to all players. One open section with Intermediate and Junior trophies awarded for highest placed finish by players... Nov 06, 2025 07:30 PM - 10:45 PM — City of Bangor International Chess Club, Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, Northern Ireland, BT19 6JR
FIDE RATED Bangor Club Masters Rapid 2025 [10 rounds of 25+0 over two days] Open to all players. One open section with Intermediate and Junior trophies awarded for highest placed finish by players... Nov 08, 2025 10:15 AM - 04:30 PM — City of Bangor International Chess Club, Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, Northern Ireland, BT19 6JR
Upcoming events…