I was very sorry to hear the news of Paul Carey’s passing, last Tuesday. Sincere condolences to his family.
He was one of the organisers of the spectacularly successful and long-running Bunratty tournament from its founding throughout its existence.
His name is so associated with Bunratty that it is difficult to find his other chess achievements, but he was a founder and organiser, also along with Gerry Graham, of the Limerick Schools Chess League in the mid-1980’s. He played for Sarsfield in the Munster League.
Paul Carey, b. April 22, 1964, d. Limerick City, December 2, 2025.
I first met Paul at the Isle of Man Congress. He was gracious in defeat and along with his good friend John Cassidy we all hit it off and they invited me to play at the Bunratty event which I duly did. I reciprocated and Paul and John came and stayed at my Mums place and took part in the Liverpool chess congress. Many years later I returned to the Bunratty event and gave Paul an Estonian note that had a picture of Paul Keres on the back that I know he treasured. RIP my friend, your legacy will live on, not just at the Bunratty Congress but through the wider chess community. My thoughts are with your family and friends.