You are here: Home Archives Ulster Chronicles 2012-2013 season Articles for 2013 season Murphy joint second in Kilkenny

Murphy joint second in Kilkenny

A Round-up of the exploits from all Ulster players in the recent Kilkenny Congress

Aside from Karina's continued success, there was a strong Ulster chess representation in Kilkenny in late November 2012. The three musketeers (Murphy, Kelly and Morrison) as usual were there in force, but were also joined by the welcome return of erstwhile southern competitor Dennis Wilkinson. Although there was a minor dispute between Wilkinson and Morrison about who can claim legal title to the name "D'Artagnon", but perhaps Murphy's newly achieved Masters in Law could be referred to,  if any litigation ensues.

Cathal, playing strictly to his southern rating of 1137 in the challengers section finished in a three-way tie for joint second on 5 out of 6, half a point behind winner Donovan Ashcroft. CJ's performance, who beat the winner's brother, Brandon in game six, was of particular note, considering Cathal lost his opening game and unusually played 4 of his 6 games on black including his first three. Martin Kelly, having lost his recent unbeaten record to Cathal in the south Belfast tournament the previous Monday, finished with a respectable 50% in the James Mason challenge. "Martini" , who is becoming somewhat of a "draw master" in recent games, only losing out in 1 game to the 1488 rated Stephen Murphy.

Dennis made a welcome return to the southern circuit, but was shocked to learn his rating was still as high as 1457. He also unfortunately fell foul to the dreaded lurgy which seems to be effecting several UCU players, including Murphy and Morrison, even spreading as far as David McAlister - allegedly. Because of the flu (not the rating) Dennis had to reluctantly withdraw from the "Mason" on the Sunday morning, but at least was able to claim he retired unbeaten with three draws and a travelling bye from four games - the only undefeated Ulster player of the weekend.

As testament to his much improved game, and new ICU rating of 1217, Philip Morrison also played  in the James Mason, but it was a baptism of fire for Philip as he finished with just 1 point. Pat Coleman also finished with a point in the tough major section, and let's not forget Paul McLoughlin who also made the trip south to take part in the traditional Sunday night grand master challenge.

Full results and cross tables from a great weekend can be found on the ICU website.

Navigation
News
Childrens Chess Grandprix Standings after February 2024 Tournament. We celebrate young chess talent at the end of year Award Ceremony and Elite Chess tournament. Usually held at Stormont i... Mar 03, 2024
March 2024 FIDE NI Rating Report – 14 players make a debut by FIDE National Arbiter Brendan Jamison Well done to 14 more players gaining a FIDE rating on the 1st March rating list. The season is almost over but we have o... Mar 02, 2024
Lisburn Chess Club organises WIM Tijana Mandura coaching opportunity! Message from Lisburn Chess Club: Tuition Opportunity Feb 22, 2024
February Schools Chess at Methodist College The UCU's monthly Schools tournaments continued on 10th February 2024 with 37 entrants and some top chess and brilliant ... Feb 22, 2024
Knockagh Monument Rapid Places Still Available Feb 22, 2024
More news…
« March 2024 »
March
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31
Upcoming Events
FIDE-RATED Bangor Spring Rapid Championship 2024 Mar 21, 2024 07:30 PM - 10:30 PM — Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JR
FIDE rated Ulster Rapidplay 2024 Apr 06, 2024 09:30 AM - 04:30 PM — Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JR, Northern Ireland
Ulster Fischer Random Rapidplay Championship 2024 7 rounds of Fischer Random Chess, Sunday 7th April at the Civil Service Pavilion. Apr 07, 2024 10:30 AM - 06:00 PM — NICS,Maynard Sinclair Pavilion, Stormont, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3TA
FIDE 100th Anniversary Groomsport Classic 2024 (Round 1) Apr 11, 2024 07:30 PM - 10:30 PM — Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JR, Northern Ireland
Newman Hindley Series : Childrens Chess Fun afternoon with a chess tournament and puzzle competition. Apr 13, 2024 12:15 PM - 05:00 PM — Methodist College,1 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 6BY
Upcoming events…