BREAKING NEWS: Greenisland FC launches Chess Club
In February 2020, GFC Chess co-Ordinator Chris Dorrian organised a popular blitz event at the Greenisland Baptist Church. With over 40 players competing, including pupils from Carrick Grammar, it helped put Greenisland on the chess map! Demand for local chess has increased during the pandemic and Chris looks forward to welcoming newcomers on Friday nights.
A risk assessment has been carried out for indoor chess at Greenisland Football club. Chess boards will be spaced out at one per table for social distancing, players will need to wear a face covering indoors and windows/doors will be kept open for ventilation. Anyone with Covid symptoms or living with someone with a cough, fever, loss of smell or taste, needs to avoid coming to the chess club. When arriving, you will need to sign in with contact details (chess parents will do this on behalf of Under 18s). Please email in advance to Chris Dorrian at greenislandfcchess@gmail.com to confirm attendance.
To launch the new chess club, Chris arranged an outdoor blitz championship at the clubhouse pic-nic tables on Sunday 16th May. Social restrictions were still in place on this date so only 14 players were allowed to compete. The event was opened with a warm welcome by Laurence Gilloway (Greenisland FC Community Co-ordinator). The players enjoyed two and half hours of chess fun in the sunshine.
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Congratulations to the six prize-winners, each scooping a little trophy:
Champion: Mandar Tahmankar (5.5/6) TPR = 1995
2nd Place: Danny Roberts (5/6)TPR = 1672
3rd Place: Gareth Annesley (4/6) TPR = 1751
Under 1700 Grading Prize: Ross Harris (4/6) TPR = 1542
Under 1420 Grading Prize: Dexter Harris (3/6) TPR = 1378
Under 1200 Grading Prize: Ethan Cole (2.5/6) TPR = 1117
The event was rated by the Ulster Chess Union (UCU) and Greenisland Football Club are very keen to host an indoor UCU-rated event in the near future.
We hope Greenisland Football Club becomes a magnet for local chess talent and attracts many locals to the game. The current aim is to build up the club during the 2021/2022 season and then enter a team in the Belfast & District Chess League during the 2022/2023 season.
We wish Chris every success on this exciting new venture...
Club address:
100 Glenkeen Ave, Carrickfergus, BT38 8ST
