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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
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…
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Upcoming Events
The Summer Tournament (Now FIDE rated) Weds 16th July at Civil Service Pavilion Weds 16th July and the 11th Week. The aim is to start each round at 7.45 pm. Please arrive at least by 7:30pm and if arr... Jul 16, 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. (TBC FIDE rated) Rapidplay tournament at Citi Offices on Thursday 24th July Round 1 starts at 7:30pm. All monies being d... 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
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
FIDE RATED County Tyrone Rapid Championship 2025 Wednesday 3 September 2025 Check-in at 7:45pm. The 5 rounds will be played back-to-back from 8pm to 10:30pm Washingbay... Sep 03, 2025 07:45 PM - 10:30 PM — Washingbay Centre, 92 Ballybeg Road, Aughamullan, Coalisland, County Tyrone, BT71 5DX
Upcoming events…