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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
Annual Prize giving at Stormont took place on Friday June 5th 2026 MLA Naomi Long invited top young chess players to Stormont. To celebrate young chess players. With competitions and awar... Jun 14, 2026
Brilliant day of Fischer Random Chess. Ulster 2026 Champion crowned. On Saturday 13th June 2026. At 10:30am 14 players gathered to play the very challenging and fun game of Fischer Random. ... Jun 14, 2026
The Delancey Schools UK Chess Challenge Belfast Megafinal took place on May 9th 2026 This marks the end of our monthly Childrens Chess Tournaments. A brilliant one day qualifier for the prestigious Delance... May 30, 2026
Arkell Put to the Test in Carrickfergus English chess legend pushed all the way as local players claim two wins and two draws in a memorable evening for the Uls... May 27, 2026
City of Belfast Chess Tournament Delivers Drama, Upsets, and Two Champions in a Thrilling 2026 Edition The May Bank Holiday weekend brought six intense rounds of competitive chess to Lisburn Chess Club, as 34 players from a... May 22, 2026
More news…
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Upcoming Events
The Citi Belfast Charity Rapidplay July 30th 2026. ( FIDE rated) Rapidplay tournament at Citi Offices on Thursday 30th July Round 1 starts at 7:30pm. All monies being dona... Jul 30, 2026 07:15 PM - 10:30 PM — Citi, Gateway Offices, 60 Sydenham Rd, Belfast BT3 9DP.
FIDE RATED Bangor City Centre Summer Weekday Classic 2026 3 day mid-week event: Rounds each day at at 10:00 to 13:00 and 13:45 to 16:45 Tuesday 18 August 2026 Wednesday 19 Aug... Aug 18, 2026 10:00 AM - 04:45 PM — Marquis hall, Castle Park, 5 Abbey Street, Bangor, BT20 4JE
FIDE RATED Bangor City Centre Summer Weekday Classic 2026: Day 2 3 day mid-week event: Rounds each day at at 10:00 to 13:00 and 13:45 to 16:45 Wednesday 19 August 2026 Thursday 20 A... Aug 19, 2026 10:00 AM - 04:45 PM — Marquis hall, Castle Park, 5 Abbey Street, Bangor, BT20 4JE
FIDE RATED Bangor City Centre Summer Weekday Classic 2026: Day3 3 day mid-week event: Rounds each day at at 10:00 to 13:00 and 13:45 to 16:45 Thursday 20 August 2026 Aug 20, 2026 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM — Marquis hall, Castle Park, 5 Abbey Street, Bangor, BT20 4JE
FIDE Rated Ulster Championships 2026 Aug 29, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026 — Blackmountain Shared Space, 280 Ballygomartin Road, Belfast, BT13 3NG
Upcoming events…