You are here: Home Archives Ulster Chronicles 2013-2014 season UCU Web 2014 Kasparov's visit to Dublin 2014

Kasparov's visit to Dublin

As part of his campaign for FIDE President, Garry Kasparov visited Dublin.

Having received an email inviting me to enjoy the company of Kasparov, I placed the invite on my desk at work and told everyone I was going to see one of the greatest players in chess history.

I travelled down by train with a sense of adventure, reading and enjoying the journey. The meeting place was O'Donoghues Bar, a 20 minute walk through the rain. Arriving early and soaked I sat in the atmospheric bar with a pint of Guinness.

A friendly face arrived in the shape of David McAlister. The bar filled up with chess enthusiasts young, wise and official.

Kasparov arrived, was given a warm welcome and a pint of Guinness. Unfortunately, as he walked down the centre of the bar shaking hands, as he passed us he had his back to us - I was that close I could have tapped him on the shoulder. He was introduced to a player who had played him and actually remembered the game!

Although not meeting the man himself, myself and David enjoyed the atmosphere and the chat.; I met a future science fiction writer, the ICU president, the top Scottish International Arbiter and received a business card from a project manger of Kasparov's Chess Foundation.

I also met Una O'Boyle who organised the Kasparov visit, promotes childrens chess and has published a beautiful book for teaching chess - the first in Irish. The Events for Kasparov's visit included the recognition of youngsters in chess, including Admira Kecskemti our Ulster Under 12 Girls Champion. The ICU press-release. [Unfortunately, at least in part due to his plane being delayed, Kasparov did not attend the childrens' event - Ed.]

The trip was fortuitous as I met Maura Osborne who was organising a team event in Dublin for a visiting Manchester group of students. I was asked to provide a team from Ulster.

I travelled back to Belfast a little disappointed in not actually meeting the great player but happy to have met some of the great people of the Irish Chess Union.

Kasparov chatting

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…