You are here: Home Archives Ulster Chronicles 2017-2018 season UCU Web 2017 Sadly Alex Beckett has passed away.

Sadly Alex Beckett has passed away.

An inspirational leader in our local chess scene, Alex Beckett, has died at the age of 86. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. The amount of time and energy he poured into the development of chess in Belfast will forever make him a legend within Ulster Chess. Alex Beckett’s funeral will be held at Knockbreda Church of Ireland Parish Church, Church Road, Belfast BT8 7AN at 11am this Friday 26th January.

An inspirational leader in our local chess scene, Alex Beckett, has died at the age of 86. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. The amount of time and energy he poured into the development of chess in Belfast will forever make him a legend within Ulster Chess.

Martin Kelly states “Former top Ulster player Roger Beckett who lives near London rang me about his father Alex Beckett passing away at 86. Alex was a well-known and well-loved Ulster chess player for 50 years. He was also a top controller of the Ulster Senior Championships among others and founder member of Fisherwick Chess Club.”

Alex Beckett’s funeral will be held at Knockbreda Church of Ireland Parish Church, Church Road, Belfast BT8 7AN at 11am this Friday 26th January.

 

 


Navigation
News
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
Ulster Champions were crowned at Methodist College on Sat 6th Dec 2025 37 young chess players gathered at Methodist College to compete for the age group titles of Ulster Champion. 6 rounds o... Dec 08, 2025
Lisburn Chess Club shares with deep sadness the news of the passing of young Gopi Marengo Nov 18, 2025
Ulster Masters 2025 – Results A 5 round FIDE-rated classic event was held at Lisburn Chess Club, Friday 14th November – Sunday 16th November. Nov 16, 2025
More news…
« January 2026 »
January
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
Upcoming Events
January 10th 2026 Childrens Chess 12:30 – 5:00 Monthly Chess Tournaments Continues at Methodist College. Jan 10, 2026 12:30 PM - 05:00 PM — Methodist College,1 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 6BY
FIDE RATED West Winds Newtownards Rapid Championship 2026 Saturday 17 January 2026. Check-in at 9:45am. The 6 rounds will be played back-to-back from 10am to 1:30pm Venue: West... Jan 17, 2026 09:45 AM - 01:30 PM — West Winds Community Centre, Dakota Ave, Newtownards, BT23 AQT
FIDE-rated Williamson Shield 2026 Jan 23, 2026 - Jan 25, 2026 — Maynard Sinclair Pavilion, Upper Newtownards Road Belfast BT4 3TA
FIDE RATED Northern Ireland Youth Rapid Championships 2026 (ages 7-17) Saturday 24 January 2026. Venue: City of Bangor International Chess Club. Jan 24, 2026 10:15 AM - 01:00 PM — City of Bangor Chess Club, Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street Groomsport
FIDE RATED Belfast Blitz 2026 (event 1 of 10 in Festival celebrating neurodiversity in art and chess) Format: swiss, 10 rounds of 3+2. Date: 24 January 2026, Time: 19:30 to 22:00 Maynard Sinclair Sports Pavilion Jan 24, 2026 07:30 PM - 10:00 PM — Maynard Sinclair Pavilion, Stormont, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3TA
Upcoming events…