News

Site News
Ballynafeigh 5 win - cue the flying pigs

Ballynafeigh 5 win - cue the flying pigs

(B&D League 2014/15 Week 17) At the 17th attempt, Ballynafeigh 5 finally win a match as they defeat Ballynafeigh 4. In Division 1, Fruithill improve their survival chances with a win against Bangor.

Ballynafeigh 5 win - cue the flying pigs - Read More…

Ulster Rapidplay and City of Belfast Championships

Ulster Rapidplay and City of Belfast Championships

Both the Ulster Rapidplay and the City of Belfast Championships will take place in the month of April

Ulster Rapidplay and City of Belfast Championships - Read More…

Ballynafeigh 1 hand on the Silver King

Ballynafeigh 1 hand on the Silver King

(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 15) Ballynafeigh 1 were the only one of the top three sides to win this week - surely they cannot be caught now? "Kelly's Heroes" are also a step closer to the John Strawbridge Cup despite a surprisingly unconvincing win over Ballynafeigh 5.

Ballynafeigh 1 hand on the Silver King - Read More…

NICS Intense Rapidplay #2

NICS Intense Rapidplay #2

The Alan Burns Grand Prix series continues on 1st March. Now in its second year, the NICS Rapidplays offer the chance for an excellent Sunday lunch followed by an afternoon of entertaining chess. Next up is an Intense tourney with as many games as we can manage in an afternoon.

NICS Intense Rapidplay #2 - Read More…

A fruitful night for Ballynafeigh 1

A fruitful night for Ballynafeigh 1

(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 14) Despite conceding a surprise draw on board 1, Ballynafeigh 1 extended their lead to 20 points as the Belfast and District Leagues reach the two-thirds mark. Meanwhile, Belfast South 2 edged further ahead in Division 2.

A fruitful night for Ballynafeigh 1 - Read More…

"Kelly's Heroes" keep their noses in front in Strawbridge chase

"Kelly's Heroes" keep their noses in front in Strawbridge chase

(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 13) The big story of the week was in Division 2, where Belfast South 2 left Ballynafeigh Community House on Tuesday night with their five-point lead (and match in hand) intact, but it could have been different as Ballynafeigh 3 squandered opportunities to close the gap.

"Kelly's Heroes" keep their noses in front in Strawbridge chase - Read More…

Ballynafeigh 1 increase the gap

Ballynafeigh 1 increase the gap

(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 12) Ballynafeigh 1 took advantage of Muldoons 1's slip-up with victory over Lindores 1, tightening their grip on the lead in Division 1. In Division 2, Ballynafeigh 3 have "Kelly's Heroes" in their sights after a convincing win over NICS.

Ballynafeigh 1 increase the gap - Read More…

Lavery Snaffles "Best Game" Prize - Again

Lavery Snaffles "Best Game" Prize - Again

Robert Lavery was awarded the "Best Game" prize again after this season Autumn series in the 3rd Belfast South Monday Tournament. Controller Neil Green reports...

Lavery Snaffles "Best Game" Prize - Again - Read More…

A happy new year for Ballynafeigh 1

A happy new year for Ballynafeigh 1

(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 11) League leaders Ballynafeigh 1 got 2015 off to a good start as they duly defeated Bangor, extending their lead to 13 points as Lindores 1 had a free week. However, third-place Muldoons 1 kept the leaders within sight with a whitewash of Ballynafeigh 2.

A happy new year for Ballynafeigh 1 - Read More…

Christmas Double for Horvath as he lands Williamson

Christmas Double for Horvath as he lands Williamson

The Williamson Shield was held on the weekend of 3rd and 4th January at the Maynard Sinclair Pavilion and saw 38 players contesting over two sections.

Christmas Double for Horvath as he lands Williamson - Read More…

Muldooned to failure?

Muldooned to failure?

(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 10) Muldoons' title ambitions suffered a hammer blow as they were easily seen off by leaders Ballynafeigh 1. Their second team fared little better, losing to Division 2 leaders Belfast South 2.

Muldooned to failure? - Read More…

Lindores vs NICS

Lindores vs NICS

NICS decided to end 2014 with a BANG gathering themselves for a dominating attack on league challengers Lindores. Drafting in Peter May and David McAlister, the visitors expected great things of their line-up.

Lindores vs NICS - Read More…

Schools Individual Ulster Champion crowned

Schools Individual Ulster Champion crowned

Young Chess players gathered at Methodist College to play to be crowned an Ulster Champion.

Schools Individual Ulster Champion crowned - Read More…

Coffee-house men too hot to handle

Coffee-house men too hot to handle

(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 9) For the first time in a long time, Lindores 1 look like a threat in the title race after a whitewash of Belfast South 1. Their second team were also victorious, narrowing the gap at the top of Division 2.

Coffee-house men too hot to handle - Read More…

Just for Pun

Just for Pun

After 2 encouraging results against Ballynafeigh 2 and Muldoon's 1, the "white van men" fell down to earth with an almighty bump last night against a team we previously beat 5.5-1.5 ! Meanwhile over at the Pavilion, Kelly's Heroes got a cool reception from NICS.

Just for Pun - Read More…

Poles Position

Poles Position

This season's NICS Grand Prix kicked off with their first Lackadaisical Rapidplay; 6 intense matches on Sunday afternoon. Great to see so many new faces and, as some wag noted, folks with strong links to Poland monopolised the honours!

Poles Position - Read More…

The underdogs bite back

The underdogs bite back

(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 8) This week saw Ballynafeigh 1 and Belfast South 2 extend their leads in their respective divisions, but the big story was the success of Craig Kelly (895), Ross Smith (983) and Owen McEvoy (1066) against significantly higher-rated opposition.

The underdogs bite back - Read More…

Rookie Speaks Out

Rookie Speaks Out

After losing 6-1 to Muldoon's last time around, Belfast South's A-Team played above their rankings. Meanwhile, on Wednesday night, Kelly's Heroes stride ahead in division 2 as the pun count rockets.

Rookie Speaks Out - Read More…

Ballynafeigh 1 power ahead

Ballynafeigh 1 power ahead

(B&D Leagues 2014/15 Week 7) With one-third of the season gone, the league tables are beginning to take shape. Lindores 2 and Belfast South 2 are gearing up for a tight battle for the John Strawbridge Cup, while Ballynafeigh 1 are pulling away in the race for the Silver King.

Ballynafeigh 1 power ahead - Read More…

Alan Burns Grand Prix

Alan Burns Grand Prix

The Alan Burns Grand Prix series kicks-off on 14th December. Now in its second year, the Lackadaisical Rapidplays offer the chance for an excellent Sunday lunch followed by an afternoon of entertaining chess.

Alan Burns Grand Prix - 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…
« March 2026 »
March
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031
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…