News
National Club Championships and Irish International Open 2019
The National Club Championship 2019 takes place from April 5-7 in Gonzaga College, Dublin. The Irish International Open 2019 will then take place from April 17-22 in the same venue
President Ross Harris Delivers Chess Simultaneous
Last Thursday (14 March 2019), the President of the Ulster Chess Union, Ross Harris, delivered a special simultaneous match at Bangor Chess Club. While he won all his games, he was still very impressed by the level of newcomers and awarded three prizes at the end of the night.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
