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The Time Traveller

The original series of articles by the Time Traveller appeared in David McAlister's web magazine "Ulster Chess History." They were the fruit of his researches into contemporaneous newspaper reports plus various Irish and Ulster archives and covered the period up to the early 1980s. Those articles will now be presented here at the official UCU website and David will add new articles as well.

2nd Irish Chess Association Congress 1886

The short-lived Irish Chess Association organised three Congresses in 1885, 1886 and 1889. The second of these was held in Belfast and featured a Masters' Tournament won by W.H.K. Pollock, an Handicap (odds) Tournament won by Amos Burn and a blindfold simultaneous exhibition by J.H. Blackburne.

2nd Irish Chess Association Congress 1886 - Read More…

The Silver King

The UCU's oldest piece of silverware is the Ulster Trophy, more commonly known as the Silver King. It is awarded to the team winning Division One of the Belfast and District League.

The Silver King - Read More…

Simultaneous exhibitions

This section will document simultaneous play against local chess players by strong masters, including three World Champions.

Simultaneous exhibitions - Read More…

Inter City Matches 1926-1936

Between 1926 and 1936 an annual match was played between the chess-players of the cities of Belfast and Dublin. There were only 9 encounters in those years - no match being played in either 1930 or 1933. Honours were even over the 9 matches, with 4 wins to Belfast, 4 wins to Dublin and 1 draw.

Inter City Matches 1926-1936 - Read More…

News
Football, Family activities, Live Music, Live Dancing and Chess at EMSONI 2025 Festival. We were honoured to be invited to the EMSONI Festival on 26th July 2025 and enjoyed Chess, fantastic company and convers... Aug 02, 2025
The Annual Citi Charity Rapidplay took place on July 24th 2025. Some 42 players gathered to raise money for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland. Organised by Citi's chess team captain Micha... Aug 02, 2025
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
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Upcoming Events
FIDE-rated Ulster Championships 2025 The top Ulster competition returns to open the 2025-2026 season! Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025 — Lisburn Chess Club, 60-62 Longstone Street
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
18th Sept. FIDE RATED City of Bangor Rapid Congress 2025 Rounds 1-5 10 rounds of FIDE Rapid play at City of Bangor Chess Club over 2 evenings. 5 Rounds on 18th Sept. 5 Rounds on 25th Sept. Sep 18, 2025 07:15 PM - 10:00 PM — City of Bangor Chess Club, Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street Groomsport
25th Sept. FIDE RATED City of Bangor Rapid Congress 2025 Rounds 6-10 10 rounds of FIDE Rapid play at City of Bangor Chess Club over 2 evenings. 5 Rounds on 18th Sept. 5 Rounds on 25th Sept. Sep 25, 2025 07:15 PM - 10:00 PM — City of Bangor Chess Club, Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street Groomsport
Bangor: FIDE RATED Blitzmania 10 Rounds 1-10 Thursday 2 October 2025 Blitzmania at Bangor - a series of exciting Blitz tournaments at City of Bangor Chess Club. Oct 02, 2025 07:15 PM - 10:00 PM — City of Bangor Chess Club, Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street Groomsport
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