The Hunt Museum Garden Summer Chess Knockout Tournament was held on Sunday 18 June 2023 in the garden of the Hunt Museum, Rutland Street, Limerick. It was a four-round knockout for 16 players, open to all chess players and members of the public who know the rules of chess. It was a non-rated event with free entry. The time limit was 20 minutes per player with no increment, except in the final, which had a 5-second increment. Trophies sponsored by the Hunt Museum were awarded for 1st, 2nd and Best Junior. The arbiter was Neal Kirby, who also made the draws.
Results
Winner: Con Kirby (Limerick).
Runner-up: James Naughton (Limerick).
Best Junior: Conor Sheehan (Limerick), decided by a 3-minute plus 2-second blitz play-off.
The tournament was held outdoors under the awnings in the museum’s back garden in rainy weather, which cleared later in the afternoon, and the final was played on the giant chess board. Two games in rounds 1 and 2 needed a blitz play-off.
Source: Limerick Chess Club archive.
Photographs
Since the Hunt museum built this giant chess board in early 2021, they have helped to popularise the game among the public and tourists.
Hunt Summer Garden tournament 2023 Round 3 Con Kirby v Conor Sheehan. Black has the turn and an extra but doubled c pawn so it is even. Con won this game to qualify for the final.
Hunt tournament Final in the Opening James Naughton moves Bh4 in reply to Con’s h6.
Hunt tournament Final in the middlegame Con Kirby is contemplating his next move.
Limerick Chess Club AGM was held on Thursday, 15th September 2022 at 7 pm. at Limerick Lawn Tennis Club
Attendance
9 members present: Ray O’Brien (President), Niall McDonnell (Chairperson), Neal Kirby (Secretary), Laurent Talazac (Asst Secretary), Phillip Foenander (Treasurer), Ted Jennings, Tim Dineen, Liam Stack and Akash Sreenivasan.
The meeting was opened by Chairperson Niall McDonnell.
Minutes of AGM 2021 were taken as read.
The Secretary’s Report was read by Neal Kirby.
The Treasurer’s Report was read by Phillip Foenander. The club’s opening balance was €1,384.65 on 27 October 2021 and the closing balance as of 15 September 2022 stood at €1,890.06.
2022 AGM motions
1. To ask the Tennis Club if the club can store its books and equipment in a container at the club. Supported by all present.
2. To offer 10 free club memberships to Ukrainian refugees. Supported by all present.
3. To hold a blitz to open the new club year on Thursday 22 September 2022. Supported by all present.
Nomination and election of Club officers
President – Ray O’Brien (for life)
Chair – Niall McDonnell (proposed by Neal, seconded by Phillip)
Secretary – Neal Kirby (proposed by Niall, seconded by Ted Jennings)
Assistant Secretary – Laurent Talazac (proposed by Neal, seconded by Niall)
Treasurer – Phillip Foenander (proposed by Niall, seconded by Ray)
Assistant Treasurer – Liam Stack (proposed by Phillip, seconded by Neal)
PRO – Laurent Talazac (proposed by Niall, seconded by Neal)
Munster A Team Captain – Ray O’Brien
Munster B Team Captain – Phillip Foenander
Any other business
1) Continue with coaching of juniors by Ray O’Brien and John Cassidy on Saturdays at Castletroy.
2) The problem of finding an affordable venue for the Limerick Open in Limerick meant that the club had to accept the West County Hotel in Ennis for the tournament on 4-6 November 2022. The club will try to hold it back in Limerick next year depending on the cost.
The meeting was closed by Chairman Niall McDonnell around 7.50 pm.
The Hunt Museum Garden Summer Chess Knockout Tournament was held on Saturday 6 August 2022 in the garden of the Hunt Museum, Rutland Street, Limerick. It was a four-round knockout for 16 players, open to all chess players and members of the public who know the rules of chess. It was a non-rated event with free entry. The time limit was 20 minutes per player with no increment, except in the final, which had a 5-second increment. Trophies were awarded for 1st, 2nd and Best Junior. The arbiter was Neal Kirby.
Results
Winner: IM Oleg Gubanov (Ukraine).
Runner-up: James Naughton (Limerick).
Best Junior: George Stack (Limerick).
The tournament was held outdoors in the museum’s back garden in fairly good weather, and the final was played on the giant chess board.
Source: Limerick Chess Club archive.
Photographs
Hunt Museum Summer Garden rapid tournament prizes.
Conor Sheehan being presented by Ray with his Limerick Club Tom White Cup joint Best Junior trophy on 6th Aug 2022.
The Hunt tournament Best Junior 5 min blitz playoff between George Stack and Conor Sheehan was won by George.
The Ennis Open was held from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 February 2022 at the West County Hotel, Clare Road, Ennis. It was a five-round event with 132 players.
Prize winners
1st: IM Sam E. Collins (Gonzaga), 5 points.
Joint 2nd–3rd: FM Colm Daly (Bray) and Sam O’Neill (University College Dublin), 4.5 points.
Limerick Chess Club AGM was held on Wednesday, 27th October 2021 at 8 pm. at Limerick Lawn Tennis Club
Attendance
10 members present: Ray O’Brien (President), Niall McDonnell (Chairperson), Neal Kirby (Secretary), Laurent Talazac (Asst Secretary), Phillip Foenander (Treasurer), Ted Jennings, Margaret Naughton, Liam O’Brien, Tim Dineen and Des Fanning. Absent with apologies: Eamon Canning.
The meeting was opened by Chairperson Niall McDonnell.
Minutes of AGM 2020 were taken as read.
The Secretary’s Report was read by Neal Kirby.
The Treasurer’s Report was read by Phillip Foenander. The club’s opening balance was €882.15 on 3 November 2020 and the closing balance as of 1 October 2021 stood at €1,384.
2021 AGM motions
1. To hold a blitz to open the new club year on Wednesday 3 November. Supported by all present. Numbers could be limited due to Covid or the number of tables (LLTC).
2. Membership fees to be set at €100 Pavilion (confirmed by LLTC), €60 adult and €30 under-18. Free for under-18 if an adult parent joins. Supported by all present. Members to be vaccinated and wear masks while on the premises (LLTC requirement).
3. To run a Tom White Cup and Club Championship, with the number of rounds reduced by 1: Tom White Cup 5 rounds, Club Championship 6 rounds. Supported by all present.
4. Chess sets, clocks and books cannot be stored behind the bar because of Covid regulations. Agreed to research a cabinet and discuss with LLTC. Supported by all present.
Nomination and election of Club officers
President – Ray O’Brien (for life)
Chair – Niall McDonnell (proposed by Neal, seconded by Phillip)
Secretary – Neal Kirby (proposed by Niall, seconded by Ted Jennings)
Assistant Secretary – Laurent Talazac (proposed by Neal, seconded by Niall)
Treasurer – Phillip Foenander (proposed by Niall, seconded by Tim)
Assistant Treasurer – Niall McDonnell (proposed by Neal, seconded by Ray)
PRO – Laurent Talazac (proposed by Niall, seconded by Neal)
Munster A Team Captain – Ray O’Brien (proposed by Niall, seconded by Neal)
Munster B Team Captain – Phillip Foenander (proposed by Niall, seconded by Neal)
Any other business
1) Establish a junior club. Proposed by Ray O’Brien and supported by all present.
2) Garda vetting. LLTC were to hold a course in March 2019 but that was dropped due to Covid. The ICU was used in the past but no successful outcome was reached.
The meeting was closed by Chairman Niall McDonnell around 9 pm.
The Hunt Museum Garden Chess Mini Knockout Tournament was held on Saturday 21 August 2021 in the garden of the Hunt Museum, Rutland Street, Limerick. It was a four-round knockout for 16 players, with the number of entries limited because of social distancing rules. It was a non-rated event, open to all chess players and members of the public who know the rules of chess, with free entry and games of 30 minutes a side. Trophies were awarded for 1st, 2nd and Best Junior. The arbiter was Neal Kirby.
Results
Winner: John Cassidy (Ennis).
Runner-up: Aldo Gaxha (Limerick).
Best Junior: George Stack, aged 10.
The tournament was held outdoors in fairly good weather under the shelter of four gazebos, and the final was played on the Hunt Museum’s giant chess board.
Source: Limerick Chess Club archive.
Photographs
The start of the tournament on Saturday 21st Aug 2021. Arbiter Neal reads the rules.
Hunt tournament Round 1 Boards 5 to 8 matches on Saturday 21st Aug 2021.
The trophies for 1st, 2nd and Best Junior. There was also a chess book spot prize.
The Hunt Museum Garden Chess Mini Knockout Tournament was held over two days, Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July 2021, in the garden of the Hunt Museum, Rutland Street, Limerick. There was a Saturday section (four rounds) and a Sunday section (three rounds), each limited to 16 entries because of social distancing rules. It was a non-rated event with free entry, held outdoors in sunny weather. Trophies were awarded for 1st, 2nd and Best Junior. The arbiter was Neal Kirby.
Results
Saturday: 1st James Naughton; 2nd Tim Dineen; Best Junior Conor Sheehan.
Sunday: 1st Con Kirby; 2nd James O’Sullivan (Ennis); Best Junior Conor Sheehan.
The Saturday final was played on the Hunt Museum’s giant chess board.
Source: Limerick Chess Club archive.
Photographs
The exciting round 1 blitz decider between Lukasz Daros and Conor Sheehan on Saturday attracted many spectators. Conor won and earned the Best Junior trophy for his efforts. Photo courtesy of Suzanne Pass
Round 2 matches and friendly matches on Saturday 24th July. Photo courtesy of Pat Shanahan
Best friends Conor and Yushen playing a giant board friendly match on Saturday 24th July. Photo courtesy of Pat Shanahan
The Final played on the giant chess board on Saturday 24th July with Tim Dineen(White) v James Naughton attracted many spectators. The position shows the Black pawn on a2 about to promote to Queen and deliver mate. Photo courtesy of Pat Shanahan
Limerick Chess Club AGM was held on Sunday, 20th December 2020 at 7.30-9 pm. via Zoom meeting
Present
There were 10 members in attendance: Ray O’Brien (President), Niall McDonnell (Chairperson), Neal Kirby (Secretary), Laurent Talazac (Asst Secretary), Ted Jennings, Phillip Foenander, Denislav Chavdarov, Uwe Walschus, Margaret and James Naughton. Absent with apologies – John Cassidy, Paul Carey. Eamon Canning could not attend but wanted to be included in games in 2021.
The AGM 2020 meeting was declared open by Niall McDonnell.
Minutes of AGM 2019 were taken as read.
The Secretary’s Report for the season 2019-20 was read by Neal Kirby (available separately).
Treasurer’s report: Noel Keating was not in attendance and nobody was in contact with him. With a balance of €500 last year, the club took in €2,120 in membership fees. Expenditure was €1,800, leaving a balance of approximately €800. Secretary Neal Kirby took an action to follow up with Noel Keating to complete the Treasurer’s report.
PRO report: Tara McElwain (and Colm) left Limerick during the year and now live in Mullingar.
Motions discussed
1) Corona Cup 2 proposed. Ray O’Brien introduced the Corona Cup 2. He spoke about accommodating younger members and suggested that the weekly game be open (it can be played on any night of the week) for junior players who need to accommodate school commitments, but to ensure their game gets played in that week. Uwe Walschus suggested opening the competition to Munster players and changing the name of the competition to something more positive. Neal Kirby and Ted Jennings expressed a need to maintain the identity of the Limerick Chess Club. It was suggested to maintain the club competition and have a separate competition for Munster players. Ray O’Brien said there was an overhead with lichess maintaining the Swiss tournament. Decisions: the competition will remain as a Limerick Chess Club competition and will be renamed the ‘Limerick Online Championship’. It will commence on 14 January 2021. Ray O’Brien will talk to John Cassidy (Munster Chess) about a separate Munster competition and get some help to support that.
2) Should the club ask for a membership fee this year? Ted Jennings (as one of the Tennis Club Pavilion members) questioned whether the club needs to pay the Limerick Lawn Tennis Club this year. Neal Kirby said that he had been talking to John Cassidy, who let the Tennis Club know that the club would not be returning because of Covid-19. John was to let the club know if the Tennis Club required anything to retain the club’s night; as yet nothing had come back. Decisions: Neal Kirby took an action to check with John Cassidy whether the Tennis Club required some donation this year. A voluntary membership fee of €20 for the year (until the 2021 AGM) was agreed. Those participating in the Limerick Online Championship should pay this membership, as prizes will be provided at a later date. Neal Kirby took the action to email the membership and provide an IBAN for online transfer.
3) How does the club get back to over-the-board (OTB) competition? Denislav Chavdarov suggested allowing people who have been vaccinated to play OTB. A suggestion was made that the club could run competitions as the Irish Championships were done in 2020, which could lead to added expense. Decision: it was agreed to meet closer to the time to decide how to return.
Nomination and election of Club officers
President – Ray O’Brien
Chairperson – Niall McDonnell (proposed by Ted Jennings, seconded by Phillip Foenander)
Secretary – Neal Kirby (proposed by Phillip Foenander, seconded by Ray O’Brien)
Assistant Secretary – Laurent Talazac (proposed by Neal Kirby, seconded by Ted Jennings)
Treasurer – Niall McDonnell (proposed by Neal Kirby, seconded by Phillip Foenander)
Assistant Treasurer – Phillip Foenander (proposed by Neal Kirby, seconded by Ted Jennings)
PRO – Uwe Walschus (proposed by Phillip Foenander, seconded by Neal Kirby)
Munster A Team Captain – Ray O’Brien (proposed by Neal Kirby, seconded by Ted Jennings)
Munster B Team Captain – Phillip Foenander (seconded by Uwe Walschus)
Any other business
1) Uwe Walschus questioned the status of the club’s book donation: 197 books were donated by an American in April 2018 and are currently stored in Niall McDonnell’s garage. According to Phillip Foenander some books are currently out on loan but are recorded in a loan book. Suggestions: Phillip Foenander will check whether the books have a financial value (for example vintage value) and share the current list of books with the membership; Ted Jennings, Phillip Foenander and Uwe Walschus expressed an interest in purchasing some of the books; Neal Kirby took an action to source a storage unit (on wheels) for storing club equipment and the books; Niall McDonnell suggested that the unit (or units) should fit into the boot of a car.
2) Phillip Foenander noted that it will be Limerick Chess Club’s 100th anniversary in 2026 (5 years from then). Suggestions: organise a special chess club tournament; Ted Jennings suggested a booklet similar to the Bunratty booklet and took the action to talk to Gerry Graham, who may have some historical information on the club (Paul Carey or Tony Foley might also be able to help); Niall McDonnell said the club should perhaps look to raise some funds over the coming years to support this event; Phillip Foenander suggested the website ‘Irish Chess History’, which may have some information.
The meeting was closed at 8.45 pm by club Chairman Niall McDonnell.
Limerick Chess Club AGM was held on Wednesday, 18th September 2019 at 8.15 pm. at the Limerick Lawn Tennis Club, Ennis Road, Limerick
Present were
Niall McDonnell (Chairperson), John Cassidy (Secretary), Phillip Foenander, Neal Kirby, Tim Dineen, Ted Jennings, Des Fanning, Mark Roche. Absent with apologies – Noel Keating (Asst Treasurer) and Laurent Talazac (Asst Secretary)
The meeting was declared open at 8.15 pm by Club Chairman, Niall McDonnell.
The Secretary’s Report for the season 2018-19 was presented by John Cassidy.
A rough draft of the Treasurer’s report on the club’s past season finances was then read in the absence of Treasurer Noel Keating. The deficit was noted.
Motions
1) Formation of the Junior club by Kevin O’Flaherty and Rory Delaney. This topic was discussed at last year’s AGM. Delay due to the Garda vetting procedure through the ICU. John Cassidy will try to investigate and facilitate this matter, as the club has many junior members who would benefit. Proposed by: Niall McDonnell. Seconded by: John Cassidy. Motion was passed.
2) Club fees to be raised due to last season’s club financial deficit: adult fee up to €60, junior fee up to €30, Pavilion fee up to €120. Proposed by: Niall McDonnell. Seconded by: John Cassidy. Motion was passed.
3) To cut down on club expenditure. This season the club has 2 teams in Munster League Division 1, which means an extra €100 in fees. There will be no cash prizes for the Club Championship this season. Last season €260 was spent on cash prizes for the Club Championship. Proposed by: Niall McDonnell. Seconded by: John Cassidy. Motion was passed.
4) Whether to change the time control for club tournaments. After discussion it was decided that the time control will remain, as the junior players have to go home early. Proposed by: John Cassidy. Seconded by: Phillip Foenander. Motion was not passed.
5) To change the 3 names as signatories for the club bank account. Signatories will be Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary. Action to be taken the following Monday. Proposed by: Niall McDonnell. Seconded by: Neal Kirby. Motion was passed.
Nomination and election of Club officers
President – Ray O’Brien nominated and elected
Chairperson – Niall McDonnell (no change)
Secretary – John Cassidy resigned. Neal Kirby nominated and elected
Assistant Secretary – Laurent Talazac re-elected
Treasurer – Noel Keating re-elected
Assistant Treasurer – Niall McDonnell nominated and elected
PRO officer – Tara McElwain (no change)
A Team Captain – Ray O’Brien
B Team Captain – Phillip Foenander
Any other business
a) Storage problem for chess books (197 in total) given by an American donor last year, currently at the Chairman’s home. Suggestions were to either advertise and sell them online or donate them to a school.
b) Reminder of the club start of season blitz next Wednesday 25 September at 8 pm.
The meeting was then closed at 9.30 pm by club Chairman Niall McDonnell.
Limerick Chess Club AGM was held on Wednesday, 19th September 2018 at 8.15 pm. at the Limerick Lawn Tennis Club, Ennis Road, Limerick
Present were
Niall McDonnell (Chairperson), John Cassidy (Secretary), Noel Keating (Asst Treasurer), Phillip Foenander, Tim Dineen, Neal Kirby, Kevin O’Flaherty, Liam O’Brien, Ted Jennings, Laurent Talazac (Asst Secretary), Eamon Canning and Des Fanning.
The meeting was declared open at 8.15 pm by Club Chairman, Niall McDonnell.
A minute’s silence was observed for Club President Michael Meaney, who passed away on 20 July 2018.
The Secretary’s Report for the season 2017-18 was presented by John Cassidy.
The Treasurer’s report on the club’s finances was then presented by Noel Keating.
Motions
1) To pay club fees online. It will be looked into by the Club Treasurer. Proposed by: Kevin O’Flaherty. Seconded by: John Cassidy. Motion was passed.
2) To have a blindfold tournament in honour of Michael Meaney. Proposed by: Kevin O’Flaherty. Seconded by: John Cassidy. Motion was not passed.
3) That the Tom White Cup format be changed to a knockout tournament with a ladder system. Proposed by: Kevin O’Flaherty. Seconded by: Niall McDonnell. Motion was not passed.
4) End of season blitz to be re-named the Michael Meaney Cup, as a cup was donated by Michael Meaney’s family. Proposed by: John Cassidy. Seconded by: Tim Dineen. Motion was passed.
5) Limerick Open U-1400 section cup to be purchased by the club and named the Pat Hayes Cup. Proposed by: Phillip Foenander. Seconded by: John Cassidy. Motion was passed.
6) To start a club ladder tournament. Proposed by: Kevin O’Flaherty. Seconded by: Niall McDonnell. Motion was passed.
Nomination and election of Club officers
President – to be left vacant till next season
Chairperson – Niall McDonnell (no change)
Secretary – John Cassidy (no change)
Assistant Secretary – Laurent Talazac nominated and re-elected
Treasurer – Noel Keating (no change)
Assistant Treasurer – Neal Kirby nominated and elected
PRO officer – Tara McElwain (no change)
A Team Captain – Ray O’Brien
B Team Captain – Neal Kirby
Any other business
a) Panel members as required by the tennis club. The club needs 7 panel members and there are only 6, according to John Cassidy, since Padraig McCullough had left. Neal Kirby kindly volunteered for the role as the 7th member.
b) Junior coaching proposal by John Cassidy and Kevin O’Flaherty to form a junior coaching club to develop the skill of the club’s juniors. Noel Keating said he would look into getting Garda vetting approval to start a junior coaching section which could use the room upstairs, with approval from the tennis club.
c) A cupboard to store sets, clocks and books. John Cassidy will investigate this possibility, as there is no cupboard at present to store these items.
The meeting was then closed at 9.30 pm by club Chairman Niall McDonnell.
