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Chess Notes by Rookie

Between 1983 and 1990, a weekly column was published in the Irish News with the byline of Rookie
Chess Notes by Rookie

Rookie in 1984

Rookie, in real life the irrepressible Martin Kelly, published over 300 of his chess columns in the Irish Press. Fortunately for us, we have been able to gather cuttings of his column and add them to our archive including the regular game posted along with each issue. Usually these games were from local competitions giving us a unique insight into Ulster chess of the 80's.

During these years, Martin honed his Extreme Punning skills to grandmaster level; these days his weekly reports of Belfast South's League Results - some of which have crept on to this site - often have a pun-count in double-figures.

Additional material appeared sporadically in various local papers over the same period and some of these - usually with photos - have also been recovered and will be appearing here soon. These include Ireland's Saturday Night (the Pink), Belfast Newsletter, Belfast Telegraph, The Down Recorder, Andersonstown News and the County Down Spectator.

Indexes

Reports are listed in each seasons archive but you can access Rookie specific items from the following lists:

News
The league is coming to a finish. The Summer Tournament will begin in May. Easter is here and the chess continues. With FIDE rated tournaments organised by Brendan Jamison. The League is coming t... Mar 29, 2024
Childrens Chess Grandprix Standings after March 2024 Tournament. We have only one Childrens Chess Tournament left April 13th. We celebrate young chess talent at the end of year Award Ce... Mar 24, 2024
Childrens Chess Tournament at Methodist College on 9th March 2024 Our monthly schools events continues. With approx 28 pupils playing and solving chess puzzles at Methodist College. This... Mar 20, 2024
FIDE events over Bank Holiday weekend for St. Patrick’s Day Brendan Jamison reports on some brilliant chess activity over St Patrick's Day Weekend. Mar 20, 2024
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
More news…
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Upcoming Events
FIDE 100th Anniversary Groomsport Classic 2024 (Rounds 3 & 4) Apr 20, 2024 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM — Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JR, Northern Ireland
Fifth Executive Board Meeting Agenda TBC Apr 23, 2024 08:00 PM - 09:30 PM — Lisburn Chess Club, 60-62 Longstone Street
FIDE RATED Downpatrick April Rapid 2024 Apr 24, 2024 07:15 PM - 10:15 PM — Denvir’s Hotel, 14 English Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6AB, Northern Ireland
FIDE-RATED Bangor Tony Beckett Memorial Blitz 2024 Apr 25, 2024 07:30 PM - 10:00 PM — Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JR
City of Belfast 2024 May 4th-6th Bank Holiday Weekend 6 rounds over 3 days. At the Civil Service Pavilion. May 04, 2024 - May 06, 2024 — NICS,Maynard Sinclair Pavilion, Stormont, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3TA
Upcoming events…