Ulster Open 1988-2005

The first Ulster Open in 1988 was sponsored by 7UP and had the colossal number of 75 competitors. The second event, sponsored by NIIB "only" managed 67, but adding in the Novices section probably had the most players ever in an adult Congress in Ulster. Without sponsorship the event gradually declined in importance, and was discontinued after 1993. It was revived in 1997, initially with sponsorship from Ulster Bank, but again disappeared from the calendar after the 2000 edition.

Under a revamp of Ulster competitions, it returned in 2005, incorporating the Ulster Intermediate and Junior Championships. However, when the UCU then decided to move the Ulster (Senior) Championship to the August Bank Holiday and hold a Championship Congress incorporating the Intermediate and Junior Championships, the Ulster Open became redundant.

WINNERS

1988 - K.HYNES, M. ORR

1989 - K. McHUGH

1990 - T. CLARKE

1991 - K. GREER

1992 - J. CAIRNS

1993 - S. MORGAN

1994-1996 - NO COMPETITION

1997 - S. SCANNELL

1998 - C. DALY

1999 - C. DALY, S. GILLEN

2000 - J. CAIRNS, R. McMASTER, S. SCANNELL, A. SKELTON

2001-2004 - NO COMPETITION

2005 - T. CLARKE

News
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Amost 40 young players gather at our Monthly Childrens Chess tournaments Saturday March 14th. Methodist College. We continue our monthly events. An afternoon of Chess games and puzzles. With al... Mar 22, 2026
Standings of the Childrens Chess Grandprix after February 2026. The Ulster Chess Union runs monthly tournaments at Methodist College. All pupils are welcome to play. Five of these tour... Mar 08, 2026
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Ulster Chess Union Mourns the Passing of Damien Lavery Mar 02, 2026
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