Dr McSparran Cup

Presented to the winner of the Ulster Individual Championship.
The early Ulster Championships 1892-1902
The first Ulster Championship was held as part of the 1892 North of Ireland Chess Congress. After 1892 there were five further championships, organised by a committee comprising the secretaries of the local clubs, before the series petered out.
Winners of the Ulster Championship 1933-1959
At a meeting on the 1st February 1932 the representatives of the various Belfast clubs decided to put the organisation of Ulster chess on a formal footing and the Ulster Chess Union was formally established. The new body revived the Ulster Championship and the first UCU Championship was held in 1933. It was not until 1960 that a perpetual trophy was presented to the winner.
Winners of the Dr McSparran Cup
In 1960 Dr McSparran presented his perpetual Cup to the Ulster Chess Union. The Cup is awarded to the winner of the Ulster Senior Championship.
News
Treasurer Role Opportunity at the Ulster Chess Union May 13, 2026
The Childrens Chess April Tournament took place on Sat 11th April hosted at Methodist College. An afternoon of fun chess. A tournament and puzzle solving competition. Almost 30 young players gathered to enjoy our mo... May 09, 2026
Bangor club celebrates its 60th anniversary 60 years in 60 minutes. A fun and playful documentary capturing the magic of Bangor Chess Club. Short interviews and eve... May 09, 2026
UCU League 2025/26 final tables and board prizes Report on the UCU Belfast & District League 2025/26 May 04, 2026
Standings of the Childrens Chess Grandprix after March 2026. The Ulster Chess Union runs monthly tournaments at Methodist College. All pupils are welcome to play. Five of these tour... Mar 22, 2026
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Upcoming Events
The Summer Tournament Weds 20th May at Civil Service The Summer Tournament is at Civil Service Social Club starting Wednesday 6th May 2026 at the Maynard Sinclair Pavilion a... May 20, 2026 07:15 PM - 10:30 PM — NICS,Maynard Sinclair Pavilion, Stormont, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3TA
UCU Annual GM Simul with GM Keith Arkell Full details will be updated once ticket holders have confirmed their availability. May 23, 2026 05:30 PM - 11:00 PM — Carrickfergus Community Chess Club, Open Door Centre, Bridewell Drive
Mick Germaine Cup 2026 – Junior teams competition A team event for 4 under 16 players. 6 rounds 15mins time control. May 24, 2026 10:30 AM - 04:30 PM — Artane Beaumont Family Recreation Centre, Kilmore Road, Artane, Dublin 5
No Summer Tournament - Weds 27th May Due to International Cricket at the Pavilion - there will be no chess on Weds 27th May May 27, 2026 07:15 PM — NICS,Maynard Sinclair Pavilion, Stormont, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3TA
Lisburn Bullet Championships Jul 05, 2026 10:30 AM - 04:30 PM — Lisburn Chess Club
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