You are here: Home Membership Clubs Belfast South (UCU affiliated) Club News Martin Kelly remembering two wonderful Belfast South players

Martin Kelly remembering two wonderful Belfast South players

Sadly Sam Ferris and Dave Riley have recently passed away. Both well respected and much loved members of Belfast South.

"As Captain of Belfast South Chess Club, it grieves me to announce the recent deaths of Dave Riley and Sam Ferris. Dave was a well-liked member last season who moved from Blackpool for a year at QUB and played for us regularly with great success in Division 1. He returned home this summer but unfortunately passed away shortly afterwards.

In contrast, Sam Ferris was a longtime member of our club, especially when we were Fisherwick C.C. He played recently in our Club Championship and the game below may have been his last game. He looked after his ill wife for years and passed away only recently. He was much loved by all of us and, like Dave, will be sorely missed. RIP.

White: Cathal Murphy; Black: Sam Ferris (Belfast South Championship, 18/12/2017)

(Vienna Gambit )

1.e4 e5; 2. Nc3 d6; 3.f4 Nc6; 4.Nf3 g6; 5.Bc4 Bg7; 6.O-O Bg4?; 7.Bxf7 ch Kxf7; 8.Ng5 ch Ke8 (in some lines, 8..Qxg5 wins a piece, but here 9.fxg5 is check!); 9.Qxg4 Qd7?; 10.Qxd7 Kxd7; 11.Nf7 Nf6; 12.Nxh8 Rxh8; 13.d3 and White wins eventually, exchange and a pawn up."

Martin Kelly.

News
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
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
New Rapidplay Ulster Champion Crowned 28th February 2026 Fruithill Bowling Club hosted in its brilliant venue the annual Rapidplay Ulster Championship. Many thanks to the Club a... Mar 07, 2026
Ulster Chess Union Mourns the Passing of Damien Lavery Mar 02, 2026
More news…
« April 2026 »
April
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930
Upcoming Events
FIDE RATED Moira Rapid Championship 2026 Tuesday 7 April 2026 10 rounds of 10+5. Moira Presbyterian Church. Apr 07, 2026 10:10 AM - 05:00 PM — Moira Presbyterian Church, 14-18 Meeting Street, Moira, BT67 0NR, Northern Ireland
FIDE RATED Northern Ireland Youth Blitz Championship 2026 Wedsnesday 8th April 14 rounds of 5+5. Moira Presbyterian Church. Apr 08, 2026 10:10 AM - 05:00 PM — Moira Presbyterian Church, 14-18 Meeting Street, Moira, BT67 0NRd
April 11th Childrens Chess 12:30 – 5:00 UCU Monthly Schools Chess Tournaments Continues at Methodist College. All youngsters welcome. Apr 11, 2026 12:30 PM - 05:00 PM — Methodist College,1 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 6BY
FIDE RATED Washingbay Chess Club Spring Rapid 2026 Tuesday 21 April 2026 Check-in opens at 19:30. 5 rounds will be played back-to-back from 20:00 to 22:30 : Time Control:... Apr 21, 2026 07:30 PM - 10:30 PM — Washingbay Centre, 92 Ballybeg Road, Aughamullan, Coalisland, County Tyrone, BT71 5DX
City of Belfast 2026 May 02, 2026 - May 04, 2026 — Lisburn Chess Club, 60-62 Longstone Street
Upcoming events…