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
Annual Prize giving at Stormont took place on Friday June 5th 2026 MLA Naomi Long invited top young chess players to Stormont. To celebrate young chess players. With competitions and awar... Jun 14, 2026
Brilliant day of Fischer Random Chess. Ulster 2026 Champion crowned. On Saturday 13th June 2026. At 10:30am 14 players gathered to play the very challenging and fun game of Fischer Random. ... Jun 14, 2026
The Delancey Schools UK Chess Challenge Belfast Megafinal took place on May 9th 2026 This marks the end of our monthly Childrens Chess Tournaments. A brilliant one day qualifier for the prestigious Delance... May 30, 2026
Arkell Put to the Test in Carrickfergus English chess legend pushed all the way as local players claim two wins and two draws in a memorable evening for the Uls... May 27, 2026
City of Belfast Chess Tournament Delivers Drama, Upsets, and Two Champions in a Thrilling 2026 Edition The May Bank Holiday weekend brought six intense rounds of competitive chess to Lisburn Chess Club, as 34 players from a... May 22, 2026
More news…
« August 2026 »
August
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031