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NICS vs Fruithill

NICS vs Fruithill

Back at home and NICS entertained Fruithill for their final meeting in the season; usually two well matched squads as board imbalances even out for the match. First match of the year went 4-1 for Fruithill, a draw in the second match. Could NICS actually nick more than a point on the night?

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B&D League - Part 2, Week 8 round-up

B&D League - Part 2, Week 8 round-up

The highlight of the week was undoubtedly Tuesday night at Ballynafeigh Community House, when the Division 1 title chase was blown wide open on a remarkable night of chess.

B&D League - Part 2, Week 8 round-up - Read More…

B&D League - Part 2, Week 7 round-up

B&D League - Part 2, Week 7 round-up

As the divisional stage reaches the halfway point, Fisherwick retake the Division 1 lead yet again, while Bangor extend their Division 2 lead.

B&D League - Part 2, Week 7 round-up - Read More…

Belfast South Finale

Belfast South Finale

The final game night for the Belfast South Flexible Tournament is coming up on Monday 24th March. The winner has yet to be decided so there is everything to play for; well, for some folks anyway.

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B&D League - Part 2, Week 6 round-up

B&D League - Part 2, Week 6 round-up

Another lead change in Division 1, while NICS slip up in the Division 2 title hunt.

B&D League - Part 2, Week 6 round-up - Read More…

Ballynafeigh Do It Again

Ballynafeigh Do It Again

Ballynafeigh Division 2 squads both entertained opposition on Tuesday night: Paddy Magee's team took on NICS while the 4th team lead by Dennis Wilkinson setup ready for Belfast South's Kelly's Heroes. Anything could happen in either match.

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B&D League - week 5 analysis

B&D League - week 5 analysis

Five weeks in and both divisions have leaders almost a full game-set of points ahead of their closest challenger. But there are at least another 9 weeks left and with some startling results and upsets already, especially in Division 2, consistency might be hard to come by.

B&D League - week 5 analysis - Read More…

3 weeks to go

3 weeks to go

Only 3 weeks left in Belfast South's regular Monday tournament. Top honours are far from certain and there is just enough time for outsiders to get a couple of games in to meet the qualifying quota and maybe steal a win.

3 weeks to go - Read More…

Williamson 2014

Williamson 2014

Now over 100 years old, the Williamson Shield was up for grabs over the weekend of 22/23 February at the familiar venue of The Maynard Sinclair Pavilion. Always a popular event in the UCU calendar and this year the Shield found a brand new home for the next 12 months.

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Bangor back on form

Bangor back on form

Bangor travelled to NICS on Thursday for their first meeting in Division 2 after the ignominious trouncing they received in the last match of the previous All-Play-All stage of the League competition. From his sick bed, Bangor club captain William McGratten send his team forward to try their best.

Bangor back on form - Read More…

B&D League - Part 2, Week 4 round-up

B&D League - Part 2, Week 4 round-up

Fisherwick retake the lead, while Bangor slip up in Division 2.

B&D League - Part 2, Week 4 round-up - Read More…

B&D League - Part 2, Week 3 round-up

B&D League - Part 2, Week 3 round-up

Lindores take the lead and Belfast South are involved in further controversy, but the big story of the week was in Division 2.

B&D League - Part 2, Week 3 round-up - Read More…

Belfast South trip themselves up

Belfast South trip themselves up

NICS headed off across the city for the Banker's Club to test the mettle of "Kelly's Heroes". Waiting in the bay-window with chess board at the ready was Ray Devenney with Sam Flanagan, camera in hand. This did not look good at all!

Belfast South trip themselves up - Read More…

Fruithill vs Ballynafeigh 3

Fruithill vs Ballynafeigh 3

Ballynafeigh 3 got themselves into hot water on Monday nights clash against Fruithill; the Ormeau Road novices were conceding an average of almost 500 rating points to their rivals on every board. This did not look good, but after two games a shock result looked in order.

Fruithill vs Ballynafeigh 3 - Read More…

B&D League - Part 2, Week 2 round-up

B&D League - Part 2, Week 2 round-up

Lindores gain vital ground on leaders and champions Fisherwick.

B&D League - Part 2, Week 2 round-up - Read More…

Plenty of quality Schools Chess at Methodist College

Plenty of quality Schools Chess at Methodist College

On January 11th the Childrens Chess competitions continued. Out of the top players who will win a place at the Stormont Elite event at the end of the School year?

Plenty of quality Schools Chess at Methodist College - Read More…

NICS vs Muldoons

NICS vs Muldoons

NICS entertained Muldoons on Thursday for their first match up in Division 2. Unusually NICS had the edge ratings-wise but not by much; this one could go either way.

NICS vs Muldoons - Read More…

Kelly "Marshalls" his Attacks as Black

Kelly "Marshalls" his Attacks as Black

Here are two recent miniatures, which Martin Kelly won as Black, each proving Black gambits do work! Having lost to a Lopez a few weeks earlier in Cork (Alex Lopez, that is), Kelly wins against a Lopez (Ruy Lopez, that is!)

Kelly "Marshalls" his Attacks as Black - Read More…

B&D League - Part 2, Week 1 round-up

B&D League - Part 2, Week 1 round-up

The divisional phase of the 2013/14 Belfast and District League gets underway, with the heavyweights slugging it out for the Silver King and three new teams joining the hunt for the John Strawbridge Cup.

B&D League - Part 2, Week 1 round-up - Read More…

Belfast South 2014

Belfast South 2014

Four weeks into the New Year and its all change at the top of the Flexible Tournament standings. 2014 has started badly for the 2013 leader, Robert Lavery; everyone, it seems, is racing ahead of him.

Belfast South 2014 - Read More…

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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
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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…