At the end of 2017, David McAlister posted here on his reconstruction of the 1973 Irish championship, held in Cork and won by Hugh MacGrillen. A total of 9 of the 81 games were available.
I’m delighted to report that Frank McMahon, who finished equal 6th in the event, has sent in all 9 of his games, for which many thanks. The report in the tournaments section has been updated accordingly.
Here is a moment from his round 2 game against Tony Dennehy:
65… ?
After a long struggle, Dennehy has managed to convert an opposite-coloured bishop ending into a winning position, but after 65… Ba7 66. Ka6, he erred with 66… Kc3?, when the win was gone, and a draw was agreed three moves later.
He had to play 66… Bc5, and after 67. Kb5, reaching the diagrammed position again, 67… Kd5. After 68. Bc4+ Kd6 69. Bf1 Bd4, Black will eventually be able to place White in zugzwang, e.g., W: Ke2, Bf1, a6; B: Kg1, Ba7, e3, f2, Black wins via 1… Kh1 2. Bh3 Kh2 3. Bf1 Kg3 4. Kd3 Kf3, etc..
[Click to replay the full game.]
Tony Dennehy recorded 8 draws in that event, which must have set the record for a 9-round Irish championship (equalled by Anthony Fox in 2019). This is one he could have won.