You are here: Home Archives Ulster Chronicles 2013-2014 season UCU Web 2014 "Smart Alex" wins Mulcahy Memorial

"Smart Alex" wins Mulcahy Memorial

Alex Lopez wins the 46th Mulcahy Memorial in Cork; Belfast player, Martin Kelly, pivotal in Lopez' successful tournament campaign.
"Smart Alex" wins Mulcahy Memorial

chess nuts boasting in an open foyer

International Master Alex Lopez stormed to victory again at Xmas in Cork, where, as I said before in my Irish News chess column 30 years ago on 21/12/83, "chess nuts were boasting over an open fire".

Full results can be found on the Cork Chess Club site, but Alex finished on 5.5/6, with Swede Michael De Verdier second on 5/6 and Ireland's John C.Kelly & Holland's Henk De Jonge joint third on 4.5/6.

Thanks must go to Pat Twomey for making it such an easygoing and enjoyable tournament - in fact, I have to give him a "pat" on the back!

Mulcahy Cup, Lopez v KellyThe only Northerner at the tournament, Martin Kelly, finished joint 11th out of 38 players in this open event, just missing a grading prize on 3.5/6 and he couldn't have had a tougher start than Black on Board One in Round One against top seed I.M.Alex Lopez. The game (play it) was the last to finish after three and a half hours and 42 moves and in it Alex "lopes" grenade after grenade, before breaking down Martin's resistance.

"Kelly's heroes" now include Alex Lopez, who recently missed the Grandmaster title at the Chess Olympiad.

Navigation
News
Celebrating Young Chess talent at Stormont. MLA Naomi Long invites top players. Our series of monthly tournaments concludes with the top players their parents and Principals being invited to Stormont ... Jul 11, 2025
Ulster Fischer Championships took place on June 8th at Civil Service Pavilion One of the most exciting competitions of the year involves chess with a difference. The initial position of the main pie... Jun 29, 2025
Annual General Meeting 2024/2025 2024/2025 season is rapidly coming to a close and with this comes the announcement of the UCU’s Annual General Meeting... Jun 27, 2025
Washingbay FIDE Rapid This week's upcoming event's early entry list Jun 02, 2025
City of Belfast Winners Well done to Steve Scannell our champion, and David Jeffers on winning the Intermediate trophy! May 26, 2025
More news…
« July 2025 »
July
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031
Upcoming Events
The Summer Tournament Weds 23rd July at Civil Service Pavilion Weds 23rd July and the 12th Week. The aim is to start each round at 7.45 pm. Please arrive at least by 7:30pm and if arr... Jul 23, 2025 07:30 PM - 10:30 PM — NICS,Maynard Sinclair Pavilion, Stormont, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3TA
The Citi Belfast Charity Rapidplay July 24th 2025. ( FIDE rated) Rapidplay tournament at Citi Offices on Thursday 24th July Round 1 starts at 7:30pm. All monies being dona... Jul 24, 2025 07:15 PM - 10:30 PM — Citi, Gateway Offices, 60 Sydenham Rd, Belfast BT3 9DP.
City of Lisburn Championship Jul 26, 2025 10:30 AM - 03:00 PM — Lisburn Chess Club, 60-62 Longstone Street
Summer Chess School 2025 - August 6th/7th/8th Weds - Fri The Ulster Chess Union is running a 3 Day Summer Chess School for Children, Beginners to Expert. Aug 06, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025 — TBC Ormeau Park - Ormeaul Bowling Club hall
Ulster Championships 2025 The top Ulster competition returns to open the 2025-2026 season! *FIDE registration of the event is pending.* Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025 — Queens University, South Dinning Hall, Belfast
Upcoming events…