Author Archives: Sean Coffey

Kilkenny Masters 1998

Posted on November 25, 2015 by Sean Coffey

This weekend sees the annual Kilkenny Congress, which reminds me that up to now there have been no tournament reports here on any of this highly successful series of events. So here’s one: the 1998 top event, technically the IONA … Continue reading →

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At the cutting edge of theory

Posted on November 17, 2015 by Sean Coffey

At one time the Winawer made regular appearances at the highest levels, even in World Championship matches (Smyslov-Botvinnik, Tal-Botvinnik) but these days it’s a relatively rare occurrence. It’s therefore a delight to see two 2600+ grandmasters battle it out in … Continue reading →

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Munster championship 2015–II

Posted on November 11, 2015 by Sean Coffey

This year’s Munster championship provided a return to a separate event and live boards for the top two games, both welcome decisions. (See the recent post here.) In an even more welcome development, the Munster Chess Union has now followed … Continue reading →

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Dinev-McMorrow, European Club Championship 2015

Posted on November 1, 2015 by Sean Coffey

Both Irish teams found the going tough in this year’s recently-concluded European Club Championship in Skopje, with Gonzaga finishing 45th out of the 50 teams and Adare finishing last. But it was not all grim. John McMorrow, fresh from his … Continue reading →

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Irish championship 1972

Posted on October 12, 2015 by Sean Coffey

The Irish championship in 1972 marked the end of one era and the beginning of another. In part this was due to the Fischer boom: Fischer-Spassky began on July 11, in the middle of the event. For whatever reason, though … Continue reading →

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Munster championship 2015

Posted on September 23, 2015 by Sean Coffey

The Munster championship has had various formats over the years, often taking the form of the highest Munster-based player in some other event, and in several years not being held at all. This year saw a welcome return to a … Continue reading →

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City of Dublin 2015

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Sean Coffey

The City of Dublin Championships took place at the Gresham Hotel last weekend. Colm Daly finished first in the championship itself, for his 6th City of Dublin Championship. All games are available (inputted by the organiser, Herbert Scarry), and based … Continue reading →

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Armstrong Cup 2015-16

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Sean Coffey

The new Armstrong Cup season started on Monday. Over at Boards.ie there has been some speculation about the prospects, with the general opinion being that it will be hard to stop Gonzaga retaining the trophy. In the opening match of … Continue reading →

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Ulster championships 2015

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Sean Coffey

The Ulster Chess Union’s organisation of this year’s Ulster Championship included a major effort to upgrade the technology: not only live boards, but also a live webcam, added to the plush surroundings of the Europa Hotel in Belfast. By all … Continue reading →

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The Labyrinth: Enter at your own risk!

Posted on August 14, 2015 by Sean Coffey

I’m still undecided on whether to continue The New Winawer Report for a third volume; I’ll probably make the final decision in January. In the meantime, the latest issue of TWIC has an amazing game in one of the main … Continue reading →

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