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Northern Lights clinch Strawbridge Cup

Northern Lights clinch Strawbridge Cup

(B&D League 2018/19 Week 15) The John Strawbridge Cup has a new name on it after Northern Lights convincingly saw off their nearest rivals QUB 2 to secure the Division 2 trophy with two matches to spare.

Northern Lights clinch Strawbridge Cup - Read More…

Spring Blitz Chess Animates Groomsport

Spring Blitz Chess Animates Groomsport

Last Thursday (7 March) Groomsport was buzzing with its monthly blitz chess tournament, a popular event that animates Groomsport Parish Hall with an exciting mix of local and visiting players. Reporter: Brendan Jamison.

Spring Blitz Chess Animates Groomsport - Read More…

Lisburn Chess Club hosted Blitz and Bullet Chess - February 23rd.

Lisburn Chess Club hosted Blitz and Bullet Chess - February 23rd.

On Saturday 23rd February Lisburn Chess Club hosted at the Lisburn Library 26 players from top players Steve Scannell and Sergio Esteve Sanchez to relatively new players James Wong and Taufik Kamal.

Lisburn Chess Club hosted Blitz and Bullet Chess - February 23rd. - Read More…

GM Luke McShane plays Belfast at Stormont Hotel - February 21st

GM Luke McShane plays Belfast at Stormont Hotel - February 21st

Top player Grand Master Luke McShane played 29 chess players ranging in age from 9 years and up. At the brilliant venue of the Stormont Hotel.

GM Luke McShane plays Belfast at Stormont Hotel - February 21st - Read More…

Players from USA and Poland flock to Groomsport for speed chess competition

Players from USA and Poland flock to Groomsport for speed chess competition

Last Thursday (21st February) saw a special gathering of players arriving for the Groomsport Rapidplay Chess Championships. With 15 minutes each on the clock, it was an exciting 5 rounds of super-fast mental gymnastics - report by Arbiter Brendan Jamison

Players from USA and Poland flock to Groomsport for speed chess competition - Read More…

Scholastic Chess at Methodist College Belfast. - February 9th 2019

Scholastic Chess at Methodist College Belfast. - February 9th 2019

Young Chess enthusiasts played an afternoon of chess and solved chess puzzles at Methodist College.A brilliant day of logical thinking.

Scholastic Chess at Methodist College Belfast. - February 9th 2019 - Read More…

Strand 1 come out on top in crunch match

Strand 1 come out on top in crunch match

(B&D League 2018/19 Week 14) Strand 1 took another big step towards their first Silver King after victory over their nearest rivals.

Strand 1 come out on top in crunch match - Read More…

Northern Lights stretch Division 2 lead

Northern Lights stretch Division 2 lead

(B&D League 2018/19 Week 13) Northern Lights go nine points clear in the Strawbridge Cup chase after beating Strand 2 while QUB 2 were beaten by Bangor 1. In Division 1, Ballynafeigh 1 have narrowed the gap slightly on Strand 1.

Northern Lights stretch Division 2 lead - Read More…

Newry Rapidplay Report - February 2019

Newry Rapidplay Report - February 2019

52 players flocked to Newry from across Ireland, both North and South, on a very cold February morning - a tournament celebrating the affiliation of the UCU to the ICU and kindly sponsored by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. - report by John Bradley

Newry Rapidplay Report - February 2019 - Read More…

Ballynafeigh 1 miss big opportunity to close gap

Ballynafeigh 1 miss big opportunity to close gap

(B&D League 2018/19 Week 12) Ballynafeigh 1 were held to a surprise draw by a makeshift QUB 1 side, while Strand 1's march to the Silver King continues unabated.

Ballynafeigh 1 miss big opportunity to close gap - Read More…

The Second in the series of Childrens Chess Tournaments

The Second in the series of Childrens Chess Tournaments

Top young chess players gathered at Methodist College on Saturday 12th January 2019 to play in the Second Childrens Chess Tournament of the season.

The Second in the series of Childrens Chess Tournaments - Read More…

Strand 1 stretch lead after dominant performance

Strand 1 stretch lead after dominant performance

(B&D League 2018/19 Week 11) Strand 1's lead in Division 1 stands at nine points after their 4.5-0.5 demolition of Civil Service, QUB 2 cut into Northern Lights' lead in Division 2, and Bangor 2 are the new leaders of Division 3.

Strand 1 stretch lead after dominant performance - Read More…

Gabor Horvath wins the Williamson Shield 2019

Gabor Horvath wins the Williamson Shield 2019

The weekend of January 19-20th 2019 was no regular weekend at the Stormont Pavilion in Belfast, as one of the most major chess events took place to kick off the new year. With 30 players ranging from children to seniors, the event had a vast range of both age and skill level. Tournament Report by Assistant Arbiter Adam Rushe

Gabor Horvath wins the Williamson Shield 2019 - Read More…

Ballynafeigh 1 hunted down by Hawks

Ballynafeigh 1 hunted down by Hawks

(B&D League 2018/19 Week 10) Ballynafeigh 1 suffered another setback as they were beaten by an under-strength Fruithill Hawks team.

Ballynafeigh 1 hunted down by Hawks - Read More…

Strand 1 start 2019 well as league returns from break

Strand 1 start 2019 well as league returns from break

(B&D League 2018/19 Week 9) Strand 1 extend their lead, while Northern Lights pull away in the Strawbridge Cup race and QUB 3 are finally beaten.

Strand 1 start 2019 well as league returns from break - Read More…

New Year RapidPlay Championship 2019 Bangor

New Year RapidPlay Championship 2019 Bangor

Bangor Chess Club Hosted a brilliant New Year Rapidplay Championship with over 40 players. At the excellent Groomsport Venue on thursday 3rd January.

New Year RapidPlay Championship 2019 Bangor - Read More…

James Fairley and Geoff Hindley receive Honorary Life Membership of the UCU

James Fairley and Geoff Hindley receive Honorary Life Membership of the UCU

The Ulster Chess Union award James Fairley and Geoff Hindley Honorary Life Membership of the Ulster Chess Union. At Methodist College on 12th January 2019.

James Fairley and Geoff Hindley receive Honorary Life Membership of the UCU - Read More…

Strand gain breathing space as Kelly's Heroes dent Ballynafeigh hopes

Strand gain breathing space as Kelly's Heroes dent Ballynafeigh hopes

(B&D League 2018/19 Week 8) Strand 1 go into the Christmas/New Year break four points ahead as they beat the Fruithill Hawks and Kelly's Heroes claimed an upset victory over Ballynafeigh 1.

Strand gain breathing space as Kelly's Heroes dent Ballynafeigh hopes - Read More…

Navigation
News
Williamson Shield 2026: Storms, Strategy, and a New Champion A report by Chris Dorrian Jan 28, 2026
Chess Players of Carrickfergus and Beyond! The Ulster Chess Union is delighted to have been contacted to share the details of a new club coming in Carrickfergus. Jan 21, 2026
The New Year - Welcome - and Childrens Chess continues at Methodist College : Sat Jan 10th 2026 Young players gathered at Methodist College to compete in the monthly Chess tournaments. Players of all ages from P2 to ... Jan 13, 2026
Christmas and New Year sees the Ulster Blitz Championships 2025/26 Hosted by Fruithill Chess Club, Falls Bowling Club. A brilliant venue and Chess Club. 37 players played a marathon of 18... Jan 03, 2026
One week left to register for the upcoming Ulster Blitz Championship The Ulster Blitz Championship 2025 will be held on Saturday 27th December in Fruithill Chess Club, Falls Bowling Club. ... Dec 17, 2025
More news…
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Upcoming Events
Sligo Chess & Culture Festival Jan 30th - Feb 8th 2026 The Sligo Chess and Culture Festival will have entertainment, social, cultural, and sporting activities, chess talks, wo... Jan 30, 2026 - Feb 08, 2026 — Diamond Coast Hotel, Enniscrone, Ireland
FIDE RATED Coalisland Rapid Championship 2026 Tuesday 3 February Tuesday 3 February 2026, Check-in at 19:50, Please take seats at 19:55, The 5 rounds will be played back-to-back from ... Feb 03, 2026 07:50 PM - 11:00 PM — Washingbay Centre, 92 Ballybeg Road, Aughamullan, Coalisland, County Tyrone, BT71 5DX
U1800 FIDE RATED Jamison Classical Chess Academy 2026 Sunday 8 February 2026 to Tuesday 10 February 2026 Venue:Maxwell Hall, 30 Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6J... Feb 08, 2026 - Feb 10, 2026 — Maxwell Hall, 30 Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JR
February 14th 2026 Childrens Chess 12:30 – 5:00 UCU Monthly Schools Chess Tournaments Continues at Methodist College. Feb 14, 2026 12:30 PM - 05:00 PM — Methodist College,1 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 6BY
FIDE rated Team Match: Northern Ireland v India. Saturday 21 Feb 2026 A Bangor Chess Club initiative, celebrating the outstanding contribution that players from the local Indian community ha... Feb 21, 2026 10:15 AM - 04:30 PM — Queen’s Hall, 13 West Street, Newtownards, BT23 4EN
Upcoming events…