INTERNATIONAL BRAILLE CHESS


                        THE IRISH STORY


             Written and compiled by Philip Doyle


                       Acknowledgements

I would like to thank members of the British and Irish Braille
Chess Associations for their help with this work, also
Sportslink, the BCA Gazette and the Braille Chess Magazine for
permission to quote from articles therein.


                         Introduction

In this account of the activities of Irish blind Chess
players, I will, as the title suggests, concentrate mainly on
international events.  In the early years this meant
Correspondence Chess, while more recently the emphasis has
been on over-the-board activities.  I will not be covering
local Chess, in which blind players are fully integrated, but
I will be touching on some local matters which are of
particular interest to blind players.


                      Special equipment:

The blind player uses an adapted board, with the white squares
slightly lower than the black.  Each piece has a peg at the
bottom, which is inserted into a hole in the centre of the
square on which it stands, so that it remains steady while the
position is being examined manually.  Also one set of pieces
have small dots on the top, so that they can be distinguished
from the other set.  Opponents use separate boards and call
the moves to each other.  At international level, where there
is no common language, the German Algebraic notation is used,
and this involves learning about twenty German words.  In
addition, a club player may use a Braille Chess clock and a
small tape recorder or Braille device for noting moves.  Chess
sets, clocks etc can be purchased from the National Council
for the Blind, 45 Whitworth Rd., Dublin 9. tel: 01.8307033. 
Chess literature is available in Braille, and to a greater
extent on cassette, although the choice is not as great as one
would like.  Many Chess computers and Chess programmes for PCs
can be used successfully by blind players with the aid of a
synthetic voice.  Currently, e-mail is being adopted as a new
and exciting medium for playing Correspondence Chess. 
Partially sighted players require good lighting plus a large
easy-to-see Chess set.  Low vision aids are also useful when
it comes to reading small print in Chess books.


                        The early years

The Braille Chess Club, which was founded in 1902 by F. H.
Merrick was the first attempt at organised Correspondence
Chess for the blind in these islands.  The club reached its
peak in 1910 when it had about 30 members, and continued until
the outbreak of war in 1914.  It produced annual reports and
gazettes as well as some of the first Chess books in Braille. 
It is unlikely that the club had any Irish members, however,
we have all benefited from the Merrick pattern Braille Chess
set which was invented by its founder, also, early Irish
players may have been familiar with Merrick's Chess articles
in the magazine Progress.

St. Joseph's School for the Blind in Dublin, is where most
Irish players learned to play Chess.  In the early years there
was no organised method of teaching the game and the younger
boys had to pick it up from the older lads, or from the
adults.  Clonturk House was not purchased until 1959 and
therefore, the men's section was still attached to the school. 

The first players of note that we are aware of were Joe Barret
who was partially sighted and left the school and Joe Byrne
who remained on in the men's section.  We know that the latter
learned his Chess from a man called Kevin Turner in 1914.  

The next important player we come across is Willie Breen who
was taught Chess by a prefect called John Nolan about 1930. 
As Willie had no other boys to play against at this time Joe
Byrne was permitted to come from the men's section to play
against him twice weekly.

It was Joe Byrne also who made contact with Victor Nelson of
the Braille Chess Association, which was established in 1931. 
Willie and joe both joined the BCA and ever since, that
organisation has played a vital part in the careers of Irish
players.  In these early years this meant   running
Correspondence tournaments and having Chess books published in
Braille.  

Another important development around this time was the
founding of the Braille Chess Magazine by Reg Bonham, a
teacher at Worcester College for the Blind.  This quarterly
bulletin which is still published, contained instruction,
games analysis, and Chess problems as well as news from the
wider Chess world.  It did much to keep players abreast of the
latest developments in the game, at a time when Chess
publications for the Blind were almost non-existent. 

 By the mid 'thirties both Joe Barret and Willie Breen were
members of the North City Chess Club which was based at 14
Mountjoy Square, in Dublin.  With the outbreak of war however,
this Club was forced to disband due to the departure of many
of its members who went to work in Britain or Northern
Ireland.  

With the ending of hostilities the Club was reformed at a new
address.  It was renamed the Kevin Barry Chess Club and it
frequently had blind players as members until its demise in
1992. 

 By the late 'forties the BCA had several more Irish members
including Sean Flanagan, Dan Barry and Michael Keane, and
these were making their presence felt as shown by the
following extracts from the Braille Chess Magazine.
     

                       BCM January, 1948


"In the Handicap, first prize went to Mr. W. Breen, with a
score of 141."


                       BCM January, 1949

The "best played game" competition was held in two divisions,
of which the first was judged by Mr. Bonham, who awarded the
prize to Mr. Breen, who was himself the judge of the second
division where he awarded Mrs. Tylor's prize to Mr. Cohn."


                       BCM January, 1950

"Mr. W. Breen of Dublin has won our ninth Championship.  The
first and second Handicap prizes were won by Messrs Barry of
Dublin and Nordon of Sheffield respectively."
      

                       BCM October, 1950

"Our seventh minor tourney has lately been won, after a
struggle of more than two and a half years duration, by Mr. D.
Barry of Dublin.  This Irish triumph follows very closely upon
that of Mr. W. Breen of Dublin, who last year carried off our
ninth Championship, and stamps the challenge of our Irish
members as one very seriously to be reckoned with."


                        BCM April, 1952

"The Endgame Competition was held in two divisions, Mr. Bonham
judging both.  The successful entrants were Mr. Breen in
division one and Mr. Hart in division two." 


                     The Northern players

Around the early 'fifties a couple of correspondence matches
took place between North and South, but the number of boards
involved and the outcome of the matches are no longer
remembered.  With the exception of BCA activities, these were
the only direct contacts between the two groups of players,
and this was due to the fact that when the Dublin based
players were becoming more prominent, the Northern group were,
by then already in decline, also Chess was not so well
organised then as it is today.  The best known of the Northern
players were: Bob Patterson, Charlie Stone, Richard Winter, P.
Mullan, Sammy Lown, Jim Anderson and Percy Boal.  The first
three of these were the most prominent, with Bob Patterson
having the distinction of being the first Irish player to
travel to a BCA event, when he attended that Association's
Silver Jubilee Tournament in Blackpool in 1956.

     
                  Braille Festival Exhibition

In June 1952 a major exhibition was held at the Mansion House
in Dublin to commemorate the centenary of the death of Louis
Braille.  The festival which lasted for more than a week was
organised by the National League of the Blind.  The programme
included: competitions in Braille reading and writing, in both
Irish and English; competitions in music, Irish dancing and
singing, typewriting, poetry, drama and choral singing.  There
was also a display of articles made by the Blind.  

The Festival also included a Chess tournament which had about
ten entrants, and this was won by Michael Keane.  In addition
to the tournament there were friendly matches against clubs
such as Kevin Barry and Clontarf.  Throughout the exhibition
John Lyons and Michael Keane remained on hand to play any
visitors who cared for a game.Others who took part in the
Chess were: Dan Barry, Willie Breen, Martin Coneely, Pat
McNicholas, Frank Patterson, Jimmy O'Connor and Joe Byrne.   


                      St. Joseph's School

The hit and miss fashion in which Chess was taught in the
School continued until the early 'forties, when the
Recreational League, the boys club, procured some Merrick
Chess sets, which were much more suited to the needs of the
blind student than those in use previously.  The Recreational
League gave every encouragement towards advancing interest in
Chess and each year sponsored and held a competition in St.
Joseph's to find the Chess champion for the coming year.  This
event was greeted with much enthusiasm and was considered one
of the highlights of the school year.

An amusing anecdote of the time relates how, in the spring of
1947 the first of a number of matches were organised between
what were known as the "boy's yard" and the "men's yard".  The
organiser, Joe Byrne, lacking Chess clocks endeavoured to time
all five games using just one alarm clock!

In September 1955 the Rosminian Order took over the running of
the School, and a year later Brother Louis Summerling
commenced teaching the game.  He obtained Chess sets and
Braille books and during the first term there was much
enthusiasm, however, after the Christmas break interest seemed
to evaporate and as a result operations were not resumed. 
     
About 1960, the "Boss" as Brother Louis was known to the lads,
recommenced teaching Chess, and this time the game took off. 
Simultaneous displays were held and there were regular
coaching sessions.  The Variety Club of Ireland sponsored
internal competitions and teams were entered for the Leinster
Schools Championships.  These teams had remarkable success ,
winning both Senior and Junior titles, as well as the Junior
Individual.  It is no accident that many of our stronger
players emerged during this period.  

The team which won the Senior title in 1965 were, in board
order: Eamonn Casey, Des Kenny, Sam Wilson, Tim Rea, Martin
McGrath and Eugene O'Connor with some assistance also from Tom
Dooley.  This was largely the same team which won the Junior
Championship the previous year.  I myself won the Junior
Individual in 1966. 

Brother Summerling continued his efforts to promote Chess in
the School until the early 'eighties when he was given the job
of running Clonturk House.  Chess is still taught at the
School but nowadays, there is a greater emphasis on academic
achievement, as well as competition from an ever-increasing
range of other sports, consequently the game has declined
somewhat at this level.  


                    The O'Hanlon Chess Club

In the early 'fifties an attempt was made to establish a Chess
Club for the blind in Dublin but it only survived for about
eight or nine months.  A further attempt was made in
September, 1960 and this proved to be much more successful. 
The O'Hanlon Chess Club as it was named, lasted until the end
of the 1967-68 season.  The first team consisted of: Willie
Breen, Michael Keane, Dan Barry, Sean Loftus, Ernie McElroy
and Pat McNicholas with some help from Joe Byrne.  Later they
were joined by Michael Keating, Des Kenny and Eamonn Casey. 
For a couple of seasons there was also a second team but this
could not be sustained.  


For further information on the O'Hanlon Club, see later "Meet
the Bca" April 1985 and Profile August 1992. 


            International Braille Chess Association

1951 saw the founding of the International Braille Chess
Association.  In its first decade the IBCA mainly concentrated
on Correspondence Chess and organised the first international
Championships for the Blind.  The Irish players, Willie Breen
and Dan Barry, took part in these, and soon showed that they
could compete with the best.


                        BCM April, 1960

"The German Association of Sports Among the Disabled (East
Germany) has found itself forced to cancel the IBCA Congress
which it was hoped to hold there this year, because of its
other commitments, but offers to run one next year.  However,
the West German Chess Association of the Blind has now issued
invitations to an IBCA Congress in the form of a team
tournament for Easter, 1961, and if the response is
satisfactory, this event will probably take place."


               Blind Internationals at Meschede

"The first Chess Olympiad for the Blind was run in conjunction
with the second IBCA Congress, under the aegis of the West
German Chess Association for the Blind and to celebrate the
latter's tenth birthday.  Eight teams of four competitors took
part, unfortunately the Swedes had to cry off and so a second
team from West Germany took their place.  East Germany was
unlucky in that their board two Mr. Bunche, had to drop out in
round five because of a heart attack, whilst it was
encouraging of Switzerland and of Denmark too for that matter
to compete at all in so strong a field.  This occasion, the
biggest event so far among Chess for the blind, concluded with
a gathering once more graced by music.

The final scores in this tournament were: first, Yugoslavia 22
points; second, West Germany A 18; third-fourth, Austria and
East Germany 16; fifth-sixth, England and West Germany B-team
13.5; seventh, Denmark 7; eighth, Switzerland 5."

Note: The tournament was held from March 26th to April 2nd,
1961.  


                         BCM July 1964

                  The IBCA Olympiad Congress

"The second Olympiad for the title of Team Champion was held
from March 24th-April 3rd, 1964, at the East German Baltic spa
of Bad Kšhlungspornn.  It resulted in a triumph even more
convincing than at the first Olympiad in 1961 for the Yugoslav
team.  They dropped only half a point out of a possible 32
points, only Beratic of Hastings fame dropping any points at
all.  He was at board one. Mirkovic, Chabarkapa and Jukanovic
all scored 100% on boards two, three and four respectively. 
Hungary came second with 20.5 and the host country third with
18.5.  

The young Irish team, (Breen, Loftus, Keane and McElroy) quite
inexperienced in foreign competitions were by no means
disgraced by their lower position.  On the contrary everyone
was full of praise for the spirit and enterprise displayed in
their games, most of which were tense long drawn out contests. 
The experience gained will stand them in good stead in the
future."  

Note: The Irish team's attendance at their first Olympiad was
due in no small measure to the encouragement which they were
given by Harry Booth of the BCA, when he visited Dublin in
1963.

The Irish results were: 
round 1, Ireland 0.5, East Germany 3.5; 
round 2, Ireland 1.5, Czechoslovakia 2.5; 
round 3, Ireland 0, Hungary 4; 
round 4, Ireland 0, Yugoslavia 4; 
round 5, Ireland 3.5, Poland 0.5; 
round 6, Ireland 1.5, Denmark 2.5; 
round 7, Ireland 1.5, England 2.5; 
round 8, Ireland 2, Sweden 2; 
round 9, Ireland had a bye.  

The individual scores were, in board order: Breen 2.5; Loftus
3.5; Keane 2 and McElroy 2.5.  The Irish team finished 8th out
of 9 teams, having scored a total of 10.5 points.  

Note: Although the Poles were not as strong then as they
became later, the Irish victory in round five, and by such a
large margin, was nevertheless, a remarkable performance.   


                    BCA Gazette, July 1966

           First European Championship for the Blind

"the Champions of 17 European countries met at ,
Timmendorferstrand near Lubec, from April 2nd-12th, for the
first Individual Championship organised by the IBCA.  The
tournament was staged by the West German BCA who together with
their sponsors collected about œ900, to cover the expenses of
22 players with guides, as well as most of the IBCA Executive. 
The event was a resounding success, reflecting much credit on
the near perfect organisation and the referee expressed
himself most favourably on the lack of incidents during play. 
It was generally felt that 22 was too many for such a short
tournament but for this first venture of its kind, it was felt
that no applicant should be refused entry.  As a result
several countries which previously had not been in a position
to send a four-man team to either of the Olympiads were able
to participate.  Nine rounds were played using the Swiss
system.  The favourite were the two Yugoslavs Jukanovic and
Chabarkaba, Pokorny of Czechoslovakia who done so well at
board one in the last Olympiad and the West German Champion,
Zeitler, who had made tremendous strides in the last five
years." 

Final scores: 1-2, Chabarkapa and Jukanovic 7.5; 3, Zeitler
6.5; 4, Eros (Hungary) 6; 5, Kristensen (Denmark) 5.5. 
Ireland was represented by Michael Keating who finished 16th
having scored 4.5 points, a very creditable performance in
view of the fact that he was competing for the first time at
international level. 


                      3rd Olympiad, 1968

"On Thursday 28th March, 1968, 150 players, guides and
officials from 19 countries arrived at the Fairhaven Hotel
Weymouth, to participate in the third World team Olympiad. 
The Opening Ceremony which took place at the pavilion on the
Friday morning, was a simple affair and play got under way in
the first round on Friday afternoon.

The two favourites were USSR and Yugoslavia, (the former
participating for the first time in an IBCA Olympiad) these
two teams each had easy wins in the first round and so this
meant that they were drawn against each other in round two. 
The result of this encounter was perhaps predictably a draw
but not in true Grand Master fashion as there were two
definite results.

With one round to go USSR were one point ahead of their main
rivals Yugoslavia and in the final round as soon as it was
apparent that there would be no run-away victory for
Yugoslavia against Hungary, the Soviets agreed two quick
draws, having already won the other two against West Germany.

After a Civic Tea, the Closing Ceremony got under way at the
pavilion and the prizes were awarded by the Lady Mayor and Mr.
J. C. Coligan of the RNIB."

"Among those who must be well pleased with their effort are
Spain and Ireland; the latter must be the smallest group of
blind players of the countries competing (no more than a
dozen) but they have prepared for this Olympiad, financially
and Chess-wise, ever since returning from the 2nd and will do
so again for the 4th."

The Irish results were: 
round 1, Ireland 2.5, Sweden 1.5; 
round 2, Ireland 2, USA 2; 
round 3, Ireland 1, West Germany 3; 
round 4, Ireland 2, Austria 2; 
round 5, Ireland 2, Denmark 2; 
round 6, Ireland 1.5, Spain 2.5; 
round 7, Ireland 2.5, Netherlands 1.5; 
round 8, Ireland 1.5, Poland 2.5; 
round 9, Ireland 3, Finland 1; 
round 10, Ireland 0.5, Rumania 3.5; 
round 11, Ireland 4, Israel 0.  

The individual scores from 11 rounds were: in board order,
Loftus, 4; Breen, 6.5; McElroy, 6.5; Keane, 5.5.  The Irish
team finished in 10th position with a total of 22.5 points.  

Note: This I feel was Ireland's best performance in the
Olympiads, with the team playing consistently throughout, the
highlights being a draw with the Americans in round two and a
whitewash of the Israelies in the final round.  There were
many fine individual performances as well, including Sean
Loftus's game with Sandrin, (USA) which won the Brilliancy
Prize.  Sean eventually lost this game but only after a
titanic struggle. 


                    BCA Gazette, April 1968

            The new structure for our Championship

"There were eleven BCA members assembled at Weymouth,
including most of the strongest players.  We took this
opportunity of discussing some of the matters that have been
raised in recent Gazettes, most important of these being the
form of the Championship.  Some concrete proposals to this
effect were made by the Dublin contingent and I must thank Mr.
Loftus for the care and effort he put into their formation."

Note: The Irish proposals were duly accepted, thus bringing a
very protracted debate to a satisfactory conclusion.

  During this period blind players also played a significant
part in the administration of Irish Chess.  Both Sean Loftus
and Michael Keane served on the Committee of the Leinster
Chess Union, with michael being its Treasurer from 1964 to
1974.


                       BCM January, 1970

"Congratulations to Sean Loftus on winning the 19th
Championship."

In all, this was the third Championship win for Irish players,
Ernie McElroy having also won the title a couple of years
earlier, when Michael Keane was runner-up.  

Around this time a postal match took place between Ireland and
the United States.  There were ten boards but it is not
recorded which team won.


                   The "Late Late Show" etc.

The 1972 Olympiad was the first to which we travelled by air
and although the accommodation was being paid for by the
Yugoslavs, the cost to the team was still prohibitive.  By the
end of January of that year, with no sign of the necessary
funds, it was decided to write to Hans Cohn the IBCA Secretary
to inform him that we would not be able to attend for lack of
finance.  In reply Mr. Cohn said that he woulD contact Jim
Walsh, Chess Correspondent of the Irish Times.  The first
effect of the resulting publicity was a donation of œ200 from
Tayto the crisp manufacturers, and at that time this was a
very substantial amount indeed!  

The plight of the team was next brought to the attention of
the top TV programme, the Late Late Show, by an American
player who lived in Dublin at that time.  The outcome was an
appearance on the show in February for Michael Keane and Sean
Loftus.  This consisted of the lads playing two quick games,
followed by an interview with the programme's host, Gay Byrne.

Another spin-off from Jim Walsh's article was an offer from a
Travel Agent called Alan Perkins of tickets for the team at
much reduced rates and this was of course gratefully accepted. 
With other smaller contributions from the Chess Clubs etc, the
team, instead of having to stay at home, found itself with a
slight financial surplus.


                      4th Olympiad, 1972

"The 4th Olympiad for the Blind was held at Pula, in
Yugoslavia, from April 6th-18th.  The event was organised by
the Yugoslav Chess Federation, and 22 countries participated,
compared with 19 at Weymouth.  For the first time the
Tournament was run on the FIDE pattern, i.e. teams were
divided into four preliminary groups according to the results
at Weymouth.  The first two teams from each preliminary group
going into Final Group A, the next into Group B etc".

The Irish team were drawn in the same Group as the USSR,
Spain, Czechoslovakia, Finland and Sweden.  The Soviets as
expected qualified easily for Final Group A, with the second
place going to Spain but only on tie-break after finishing on
the same number of points as the Czechs.  The crucial matches
for Ireland were in round one and round five when we had good
wins over Sweden and Finland respectively, and in so doing
secured the remaining place in Final Group B.  

In addition to Czechoslovakia Ireland were joined in this
section by: Poland, Austria, West Germany, Holland, Israel and
Bulgaria.  Many of these teams would be more at home in the
top section and so points were hard to come by, and although
we did well against some of these, we could have hoped for
better in our matches with the Austrians and the Dutch. 
 
The Irish results were: 
round 1, Ireland 2.5, Sweden 1.5; 
round 2, Ireland 0.5, Czechoslovakia 3.5; 
round 3, Ireland 0.5, Spain 3.5; 
round 4, Ireland 0, USSR 4; 
round 5, Ireland 2.5, Finland 1.5; 
round 6, Ireland 1.5, Poland 2.5; 
round 7, Ireland 0, Austria 4; 
round 8, Ireland 1, West Germany 3; 
round 9, Ireland 1, Netherlands 3; 
round 10, Ireland 0.5, Czechoslovakia 3.5; 
round 11, Ireland 1.5, Israel 2.5; 
round 12, Ireland 1.5, Bulgaria 2.5.  

The individual scores were, in board order: Loftus, 2.5 from
11 games; Keane, 2 from 12; McElroy, 5 from 12; Breen 3.5 from
10 and Casey the reserve 0 from 3 games.  
The team finished 16th having scored a total of 13 points.


                   BCA Gazette, January 1975


                  BCA Congress Chester, 1974

"Final totals: Cohn 4.5; Carlin 4; Williams and Newton 3.5;
Breen, Holcroft, Horrocks and Loftus 3..."

Note: Willie and Sean repeated their visit to Chester two
years later and were also at Birmingham in 1978.   


        October BCM, from the Times of 23rd August 1976

                "soviet Union wins Blind Chess

The Soviet Union on Saturday narrowly won the 5th Chess
Olympiad for the Blind, held at Kuortanen, Finland.  21
countries took part.  The Soviet Union, World Champions since
1968, defeated Yugoslavia in their 4th-round match of an 11-
round Swiss Tournament, by the odd point of a 4-board match. 
In the penultimate round Russia faltered, giving away two
points to the Czechs, while Yugoslavia moved to within half a
point of them by defeating England four nil.  Everything
depended upon the last game, in which Russia defeated Austria
after a 9-hour struggle.  Russia and Yugoslavia finished with
34.5 each, the former winning the Gold medal on the count of
match points, 10.5 to 9.5."    

The Irish results were: 
round 1, Ireland 0.5, East Germany 3.5; 
round 2, Ireland 2.5, Belgium 1.5; 
round 3, Ireland 3, Switzerland 1; 
round 4, Ireland 1.5, Austria 2.5; 
round 5, Ireland 2, England 2; 
round 6, Ireland 3, Denmark 1; 
round 7, Ireland 1, Hungary 3; 
round 8, Ireland 1.5, Poland 2.5; 
round 9, Ireland had a bye and were awarded 2 points; 
round 10, Ireland 1, USA 3; 
round 11, Ireland 2.5, Norway 1.5.  

The individual scores in board order were: Keane, 4 points
from 9 games; Breen, 1.5 from 8; McElroy, 6.5 from 9; Loftus,
4 from 8 and Casey the reserve 2.5 points from 6 games.  
The Irish team had a total score of 20.5 points and finished
in 12th position.   

                   BCA Gazette, October 1977

                  Amstetten Jubilee Congress

"The flight went well, and we emerged from the aircraft into
hot sunshine in Vienna.  The next part of our journey was by
minibus which took us the 157 kilometres to Amstetten.  The
hotel where we stayed is situated east of Vienna in the hills
and is surrounded by forests and woods where deer run freely. 
That evening we had a supper, with the Opening Ceremony
included, in which the Bergermaster of Ibsitt declared open
the proceedings.

At one O'Clock the following day we were due to play West
Germany, which we did and unfortunately lost the contest 4.5-
1.5, Sean Loftus winning and Brian Barton picking up the draw.

The following day we had a bye, which was lucky as the
temperature was about 25 Degrees Centigrade.  Mr. Tony Hartwig
the President of the Austrian BCA took us for a nice long walk
which everyone enjoyed.  Indoors the Austrian team were
beating West Germany 4.5-1.5.  On the following morning we
played Austria, starting I may add at eight AM. In the event
sadly we lost again, the score being the same, 4.5-1.5.  Our
points all came in halves, Colin Chambers, Sean Loftus and
Edwin Mitchell all on the top three boards.  That meant that
Lionel and I came home with no points at all but a lot of
experience.

Another sport taking place while we were there in which we all
took part was Nine Pin Bowling, in which I'm pleased to say
Lionel came second to one of the West German team guides with
myself fourth.  After all the matches were finished, we had
the closing ceremony in which all three teams were given A
Memorial Plate.  Prizes were also given for the Bowls
competition.  The following day we were shown around a
Brewery.  We finished the trip with Austrian sausages and a
nice cool beer.  Our last full day was spent in Vienna sight-
seeing and finding presents for our families.  In the evening
we wound up the holiday with a trip to a beer Keller."

                  Notes by Harry Beevers.   


                   BCA Gazette, October 1980

                      6th Olympiad, 1980

"The 6th Chess Olympiad for the Blind, held in nordwijkerhoud,
Holland, from 12th-26th August last: The top three places went
to USSR Yugoslavia and East Germany.  

Since there was an odd number of teams, the Swiss System was
not used on this occasion.  The Tournament was broken down
into two stages.  In the first stage there were four groups of
six, with one of them having a bye.  After an all-play-all of
five rounds, the top two of each group went into the top
section of the finals.  The middle two went into the middle
group and the last two into the bottom section.

Not only was the Tournament well organised, the Dutch must be
congratulated on laying on numerous activities for the guides
and players, such as Bingo, Tandem riding, excursions
(including a trip to a smelting works) and a shopping spree. 
The food was plentiful and of a very high quality." 


The Irish team were drawn in group C along with two of the
favourites, East Germany and Czechoslovakia, also Israel,
Holland and Norway which gave us reasonable hopes of
qualifying for Final Group B.  Inexplicably however, we could
only manage a half point in each of our first two matches
against Israel and Holland and our chance had already
vanished.  Our two remaining points in this group came in the
next round against Norway who accompanied us into Final Group
C.  There were seven teams in this section and we had a bye in
the first round which was followed by another disappointing
result, this time against the Italians.  At this stage we were
already a long way behind the leaders and with morale at rock
bottom, when our fortune took a sudden turn for the better
with successive good wins over Sweden, France and Switzerland. 
Going into the final round we were three points adrift of the
leaders Norway who had a bye.  After many ups and downs and
near heart attacks, eventually a 3-1 win was achieved against
the Belgians bringing us level on points with Norway but
taking the medals on the tie-break.
    
The Irish results were: 
round 1, Ireland 0.5, Israel 3.5; 
round 2, Ireland 0.5, Netherlands 3.5; 
round 3, Ireland 2, Norway 2; 
round 4, Ireland 0, East Germany 4; 
round 5, Ireland 0, Czechoslovakia 4; 
round 6, Ireland had a bye; 
round 7, Ireland 1.5, Italy 2.5; 
round 8, Ireland 2.5, Sweden 1.5; 
round 9, Ireland 4, France 0; 
round 10, Ireland 3, Switzerland 1; 
round 11, Ireland 3, Belgium 1.  

The individual scores were, in board order: Keane, 3 points
from 9 games; McElroy 6 from 9; Loftus, 1.5 from 8; Doyle, 5
points from 9 games and Casey the reserve, 1.5 from 5.  The
team finished 17th out of 23 countries taking part, with a
total of 17 points. 


                    BCA Gazette, July 1981

                       Dublin tournament

"To mark the International Year of the Disabled Person, a
special tournament for blind and disabled players took place
at the Montrose hotel, Donnybrook, Dublin, from May 22nd to
May 25th 1981.  The event was sponsored by the National League
of the Blind of Ireland.  There was also generous support from
Mr. P. V. Doyle, owner of the Montrose, who made a spacious
function room available for the event free of charge.  There
were 22 entries for the competition, all but one of whom were
blind.  9 participants came from England and one from Austria. 
No sooner had the draw for the first round taken place when it
was learned that Dr. R. Teefenbacher, Austria, would be unable
to compete.  An accident on the boat had resulted in his
having to go into hospital soon after his arrival in Dublin. 
With no "seeding" being used the first-round draw brought two
of the favourites, Horrocks and McElroy, into opposition. 
This game was drawn.  Horrocks had better luck in round 2,
being successful against another of the favourites in Ted
Williams.  McElroy's challenge appeared to have gone after
losing to Keane in round 3 while Horrocks dropped another
half-point to Loftus in the same round.  At this point Casey
was the clear leader with 3 points followed by Keating and
Keane each with 2.5.  Casey's fine run came to a sudden halt
after losing to Keating in round 4 and Horrocks in round 5. 
Keane also won his round 4 game and drew with Keating in round
5.  Going into the final round there was a three-way tie for
first place between Keating, Horrocks and Keane.  Williams
would also have been in this group had he not blundered in a
won end game against Loftus.  This blunder cost Williams half
a point.  The final round saw Horrocks paired against Keating
and Keane against Williams.  An opening miscalculation gave
Keane a pawn advantage which he turned to good use winning in
fine style.  With Horrocks and Keating playing a drawn game
leaving Keane the clear winner.  McElroy finishing strongly
with three wins also had 4.5 points and a tie for second
place.  Final scores: Keane 5; Horrocks, Keating and McElroy
4.5; Breen 4; Casey, Doyle, Loftus and Williams 3.5.  The
special prize for an ungraded player went to Martin Kane on 1
point.  The tournament organisation, hotel accommodation and
meals were highly praised by all participants.  Dr.
Teefenbacher who sustained a shoulder injury after a fall was
discharged from hospital on May 30th after a stay of eight
days."

                         Sean Loftus.
     

                   BCA Gazette, January 1982

              W. D. and H. O. Wills Championship

"The W. D. and H. O. Wills International Championship for the
Blind was staged at the Lauriston hotel, Weston-super-mare,
from 14th to 23rd November, 1981, and proved to be a big
success.  The invitation event was an all-play-all, and four
of our better players faced very strong opposition from
overseas.  Final results were: 1, Zier (West Germany), 5.5; 2,
Sandrin (USA), 4.5; 3, Negovanovic (Yugoslavia), 4.5; 4, Van
Gelder (Holland), 3.5; 5, Carlin, 3; 6, Benson, 2.5; 7,
Lilley, 2.5; 8, Horrocks, 2.    

The Open event was a seven-round Swiss, and here again the
British contingent faced stiff opposition from overseas, both
human and computerised.  Final scores in this event were: 1,
Chambers, 5.5; 2, Sand (West Germany), 5; 3, McElroy
(Ireland), 5; 4, Williams, 4.5; 5, Doyle (Ireland), 4; 6,
Loftus (Ireland), 4... 12, Keating (Ireland), 3..."

Note: The tournament was organised by Colin Chambers and ably
controlled by Fred Manning.   

As there was no flight to Bristol on the appointed day of
arrival, the Dublin based players were forced to travel a day
early.  Colin Chambers and his wife Barbara very generously
put us up for the night in their own home where we were all
made feel very welcome.  


                    BCA Gazette, July 1982

                  5th World Individual, 1982

"The fifth World Individual Championship for the Blind, held
in Hastings from 4th to 16th April, 1982, resulted in the
players finishing in the following order after eleven rounds:
1, Krylov (USSR), 9 points; 2, Rudensky (USSR), 8; 3, Waunsche
(East Germany), 7.5; 4, Zier (West Germany), 7; 5, Jukanovic
(Yugoslavia), 7...

These are the bare facts of two weeks of intensive Chess
during which Krylov confirmed his position as the leading
blind Chess player in the world.  With two rounds to go it was
already certain that he would retain his title.  However,
Rudensky was pressed hard by Waunsche for second place. 
Ludwig Zier, the West German, proved in his first attempt that
he is a force to be reckoned with.

But this was not all! to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the
BCA two tournaments were held for our own members - the
"King's" during the first week and the "Queen's" during the
second.  Ted Williams, with a spectacular victory in the last
round against Graham Lilley, took first prize, a point ahead
of the field.  Final positions in the "King's" Tournament
were: 1, Ted Williams; 2, Colin Chambers; 3, Frank Oliver; 4,
Edwin Mitchell.  In the "Queen's" Tournament Sean Loftus set a
cracking pace by winning his first four games.  Graham Lilley
was very close behind with 3.5 points and the two met in the
last round with Graham finishing on top.  Final placings were:
1, Lilley; 2, Loftus; 3, Chambers, Horrocks and McElroy.

Now that it is all over it is only natural to wonder how
successful it really was.  It is difficult to pass judgement
when one has been so involved for so long.  There seems little
doubt that, from the point of view of the tournament, things
went smoothly and this must be regarded as one of the most
important considerations.  Perhaps of equal importance is the
spirit in which it was played.  Grandmaster Olafsson paid
tribute to the sportsmanship of the players and expressed the
view that the example could be followed in other places. 
Certainly the friendship between players and guides from many
countries was again a feature of an IBCA event.  It was good
to have a contingent of our members from Ireland who always
liven things up not only in the Chess but in the social side
of any event in which they participate. 

Visits to a wine cellar and Finchcocks Museum of keyboard
instruments were arranged for the two rest days and both of
these were very much enjoyed and appreciated by those who
attended.  All such events depend to some extent on the venue. 
In this respect I must be quite honest and say that it was
only the constant vigilance of certain of the organisers which
cushioned the players and the rest of the gathering from the
worst effects of a quite incredibly inefficient and chaotic
management in the Royal Victoria Hotel."

                         Stan Lovell.

Note: In the World Individual Ireland was represented by
Michael Keane who finished 18th In a field of 27.  Michael's
final total of five points included excellent wins against
Tonteri of Finland and Free of New Zealand.  

In addition to those already mentioned, the large Irish
contingent included Martin Kane, Michael Keating and Philip
Doyle.  


                SSC Newsletter, Christmas, 1983

                        Chess Olympiad


"As a result of a special tournament held over the October
bank holiday weekend, the team which will represent Ireland at
the 7th Chess Olympiad for the blind has been selected.  The
official party consists of five players, including a
substitute, and two guides.  The team will leave for New
Jersey , on Sunday, April 15th, 1984, and return two weeks
later on the 29th, having played eleven rounds of Chess
against opposition which can range up to Master standard.  In
the meantime, fund raising is forging ahead, and will reach
its climax at the National Concert Hall on February 12th when
the Chieftains will be playing, hopefully to a packed house. 
The team is: E. Casey, P. Doyle, M. Keane and E. McElroy, and
the substitute is S. Loftus."

                 Philip Doyle, Social Officer.

Note: The final scores were: E. McELROY, p. doyle 4.5; E.
Casey, M. Keane 3.5; S. Loftus, J. McAloon 2; P. Dunne 0.  The
top two did not play their final round game against each other
as they had already secured joint first place.
The Chieftains concert which was organised by Liam Butler, a
Dublin businessman, was as expected a great success and raised
a very substantial sum of money, much of it through
advertisements in the Concert Programme.  A race night was
also held and this brought in œ721.  Unfortunately, all this
hard work came to naught with just six weeks to go, when the
Olympiad was cancelled by the organisers  due to financial
difficulties.  After several months had elapsed and with no
sign of the Tournament being re-scheduled, it was decided to
return monies to sponsors where this was possible.    


                    BCA Gazette, April 1985

                         Meet the BCA

"Sean Loftus, one of the strongest and most respected members
of the BCA, was born on 20th March, 1941.  This issue of the
"Gazette" marks a milestone in Sean's BCA activities since it
was back in February, 1960, when he first joined the
Association, some 25 years ago! we pay tribute to Sean's first
quarter century through these pages and look forward to the
next 25 years of his membership.  

Sean was born blind from birth as a consequence of Retinitis
Pigmentosa, unlike most RP sufferers who lose their sight
gradually.  Sean is a member of a family of six and has a
brother who also suffers from RP.  

Education for Sean was at two schools for the blind in Dublin. 
His first was St. Mary's, a girls' school which took boys up
to the age of ten.  After six years at St. Mary's, Sean
transferred to St. Joseph's where he spent a further ten
years.  For the last three years of his time at St. Joseph's
he was occupied in the school workshops training to become a
basket-maker.  Early in 1962 the school workshop closed down
and Sean moved to the workshops for the blind in Dublin.  He
was employed at the workshops for four years until, in the
autumn of 1965, he began training as a switchboard operator
and in February 1966 started work at his present job at the
Bank of Ireland.  Sean is not married but lives at home with
his mother.  The rest of the family have now got married and
left home.  Sean's highly successful Chess career got off to a
rather shaky start shortly after he moved to St. Joseph's.  At
this stage, he only knew how to move the pieces and found
himself consistently losing to the other boys.  After an
initial disenchantment with the hobby, Chess enjoyed a short
revival for Sean when he was 15.  Sean first began to take
Chess seriously when he was at the workshop at St. Joseph's
and it was at this time that he joined the BCA.  Ernie
McElroy, another well-known name to BCA members, was also at
St. Joseph's and, in fact, Ernie and Sean joined the BCA at
the same time.  Sean's first opponent in the BCA was Ernest
Eaton who was very much an elder statesman of the Association
and had at one time served as Secretary for the Club.  Another
regular opponent in these early days was Les Brown.  Sean
heard about the BCA through Dan Barry who, at that time, was a
very keen Correspondence Chess player.  A few months after
joining the BCA, Sean, Ernie, Dan and three others formed a
Chess Club for the blind which they called the O'Hanlon Chess
Club after a fairly prominent Irish Chess player of some years
previous.  After formation, the O'Hanlon Chess Club was
affiliated to the organisation which runs Chess activities in
the eastern part of Ireland and entered division three of the
inter-club league.  It is a sign of the strength of its
founder members that this club came top in the third division
at the first time of asking! After promotion to division two,
the O'Hanlon Chess Club battled on for a further four years
until in 1965 they won promotion to the first division.  For
the next three years the Club played on in the first division,
but when the number of players per team was increased from six
to eight this obviously put a strain on the blind Chess Club
with its limited membership.  Although the Club called upon
the services of some sighted Chess players, their level of
commitment was not always as high as their blind counterparts. 
Consequently, at the end of the 1967-68 season the Club
decided not to continue as a mainly blind Chess club but to
merge with another of the Dublin clubs.  For the past four
years Sean has been playing with the Elm Mount Chess Club in
Dublin.  The Club won promotion to division one of the inter-
club league in 1983-84 with Sean playing an undefeated season
on board two.  Sean has been involved with the IBCA Olympiad
since 1964 and has been a member of the Irish team in five
Olympiads from 1964 to 1980 inclusive.  His best performance
was in 1976 at Finland when he managed a 50% score on board
four.  Sean's IBCA connection goes deeper than the Olympiad,
he has been the Irish IBCA delegate since 1964 and his
involvement with the Organisation forced him to study German
by correspondence through the Hadley school for the Blind in
America, as this is the second official language of the IBCA. 
Sean was recently elected chairman of the Irish Association
for the Blind: an organisation which provides a Braille
library service and magazines on tape and in Braille.  Being
fond of sports he likes: Cricket, Tennis, Gaelic Football and
Rugby but, maybe rather untypically for the Irish, isn't too
keen on the horses.  

Sean says he derived particular pleasure from winning the BCA
19th Championship in the late 60's and the 8th and last
Championship of the O'Hanlon Chess Club.  "However, i'm mainly
concerned with the enjoyment of Chess: the pleasure which it's
given me, the places i've visited as a result of it and the
friends i've made through my involvement in this great game."


                    BCA Gazette, July 1985

                      7th Chess Olympiad

"The 7th Chess Olympiad for the Visually Handicapped was held
at the Hawaii Hotel, Benidorm, Spain, from 5th to 19th May,
1985.  Twenty nations participated and the slight decrease in
numbers seemed mainly due to the collapse of the Olympiad
arrangements in the USA in 1984.  However, it was good to see
Greece and Portugal involved for the first time.

The twenty teams were divided into four groups for the
preliminary rounds and the composition of these groups was
determined by previous performances.  The top two teams from
each preliminary group qualified for Final Group A and played
for places 1 to 8.  The next two teams qualified for Final
Group B and played for places 9 to 16.  The bottom team in
each group was placed in Final Group C and played for places
17 to 20."  

The Irish team were drawn in Group B along with Poland, East
Germany, Spain and Portugal.  Although this meant having to
face three very strong teams and virtually no chance of
qualifying for the top section, we were almost certain of
making it into Final Group B due to the presence of new-comers
Portugal.  Our confidence was confirmed when we met in round
three and Ireland won on all four boards.  Having lost to The
host country by a score of 3-1 in the qualifying Group, we had
to meet them again in the first round of Final Group B but we
could only manage a half point this time.  Our best
performances were: a win against Holland and draws with
Sweden, Norway and Denmark.  In our final match we could only
manage a solitary half point against Austria and this perhaps
was due to the very early morning start imposed so that all
games would be finished in time for the Closing Ceremony.

The Irish results were: 
round 1, Ireland 0.5, East Germany 3.5; 
round 2, Ireland 1, Spain 3; 
round 3, Ireland 4, Portugal 0; 
round 4, Ireland had a bye; 
round 5, Ireland 0, Poland 4; 
round 6, Ireland 0.5, Spain 3.5; 
round 7, Ireland 2, Sweden 2; 
round 8, Ireland 1.5, Hungary 2.5; 
round 9, Ireland 2.5, Netherlands 1.5; 
round 10, Ireland 2, Norway 2; 
round 11 Ireland 2, Denmark 2; 
round 12 Ireland 0.5, Austria 3.5.

The individual scores were: in board order, McElroy, 4 points
from 10 games; Doyle, 4 from 10; Keane, 4.5 from 10; Casey,
3.5 points from 9 games and reserve McAloon, 0.5 from 5.  The
team finished 15th having scored a total of 16.5 points.    

 
                   BCA Gazette, January 1986

        London Tournament for the Visually Handicapped

"The annual event attracted a record 24 entrants.  About a
quarter of these were participating in their first BCA over-
the-board event.

Congratulations to Paul Benson with his 100% score of 5 out of
5.  Congratulations are also due to Steve Burnell for getting
among the big boys with his 4 points placing him clear in
second place.  Other prize winners were: Jack Horrocks, Mike
Keating, Sean Loftus and Stan Lovell sharing third with 3.5.

The RNIB proved to be a comfortable venue for the tournament
although some of us found it too hot.  Once again our thanks
are due to all those who gave hospitality to participants from
beyond London.  Thanks to one and all."

                        Stan Lovell.  

Note: For many years the London Tournament was run
independently by Jack Horrocks.  Since it was taken over by
the BCA it has been renamed the Autumn Tournament and is now
no longer confined to the Capital.


                    BCA Gazette, July 1986

                      Message from Dublin

Philip Doyle writes: "the Braille Chess Association of Ireland
was formed following the 1985 Olympiad, in an attempt to bring
new players - especially young players - into the game.  So
far 17 members have been recruited - not many perhaps, by BCA
standards, but the population of the whole of Ireland is only
about five millions.  In October, the first official Chess
championship for the Blind was held.  There were 12 entrants
and it was won by Ernie McElroy.  Michael Keating took second
place and Sean Loftus was third.  A correspondence tournament
for novices was not too successful! however, a couple of
friendly matches were played against clubs in Limerick and
Dublin. 

We have also been able to help new members with advice about
books, Chessboards etc.  As a result about half a dozen have
become members of clubs.  The BCAI, will of course, never be
as active as the BCA, but its founders will be well pleased if
it helps to keep the game alive and healthy among the Irish
blind in the years ahead."

Note: Another factor leading to the founding of the BCAI was a
proposal made at the IBCA Congress in Benidorm by the Irish
team to consider hosting the next Olympiad.  Liam Butler was
to be the main organiser, but with no national structure in
existence and little experience of running international
tournaments it was soon realised that the idea was premature
and it was quickly abandoned, but not before a brand new
structure had been put in place, thus insuring a bright future
for the game.  


                   BCA Gazette, January 1987

                     In Dublin's fair city

"The Dublin Open Tournament was held from Saturday, 25th to
Monday, 27th October, at the headquarters of the League of the
Blind.  16 people took part - 12 from the Republic and four
from England, including Graham Willis, a friend from East Ham
Chess club, whose help on the trip was invaluable.  There was
a striking spirit of comradeship about the whole weekend.  The
draw was ably managed by Sean Loftus in the absence of a
controller and the event ran smoothly.  Phil Doyle's wife,
Noreen, worked tirelessly providing soup, sandwiches and tea
for players as they finished their games.  Although we had
little time to explore the city, we had plenty of time to chat
to our hosts and enjoy the excellent Guinness.  Ernie McElroy
won the tournament with 5 out of 5, followed by Sean Loftus,
Michael Keating and myself with 3.5.  Philip Dunne won the
grading prize (under 1400) with 3 points.  

The BCAI hopes to hold another Dublin Open Tournament in two
years' time.  If this proves to be as successful, BCA members
taking part are in for a fine time!"

                        Voldi Gailans.


                   BCA Gazette, October 1987

             Haaksbergen - the friendly tournament

"If I were joining the BCA, wanting to find my feet as a
tournament player, travel and have a good time to boot, I
could not do better than the annual IBIS Tournament in
Haaksbergen which, this year, the 13th, was held on May 16th
and 17th.  


Haaksbergen is a large but intimate village, a few kilometres
from the German border, and roughly halfway between Enschede,
the Northern footballing town, and Arnhem-on-rhein (scene of
"A bridge too far".

Leaving London on the evening of the Thursday before the
weekend tournament, we reached Haaksbergen by way of the most
comfortable first-class accommodation on the Dutch flagship
"Koningin Beatrix".  Then comes a full day for settling in
with our host family, usually ten minutes, drive at the most
from the Chess venue, topped off by an informal reception,
where we meet friends, old and new, from all the other guest
countries, most of whom have reasonable English.  The theme of
IBIS is integration, that is of blind and sighted players and
friends.  This holds good at the Chess table, where two blind
and two sighted players each play all, with a couple of rounds
on the Saturday and the final round on the Sunday morning. 
The tables are arranged so as to pair similarly-graded
players.  However, if you do not have a grade, or think your
Chess is still too weak to launch upon the international
scene, don't stop reading.  There is a standard for all at the
friendly Haaksbergen Tournament, and the winners of table 30
get as big a cheer as those of table 1.  This year, the
English contingent of seven players was augmented by a lone
Swede plus a couple of old Irish friends, (Sean Loftus and
Gerry McElligott) and, as their Captain, I was not sorry to be
part Scots, part Welsh myself.  In the team competition, we,
the international brigade, finished on 12 points, comfortably
ahead of the Belgians but trailing somewhat behind the West
Germans and the 17-point winners, Holland.  

With many entreaties to come back next year, the team, with
its loyal and resourceful guides, took the boat-train on the
Sunday night and were back in London at 9 AM Monday."  

                         Alec Crombie.


                   BCA Gazette, January 1988

                 News from the BCA of Ireland

"The Irish team for the Olympiad in Hungary will be: Ernie
McElroy, Sean Loftus, Michael Keating and Philip Doyle.  A
reserve may be added later.  The team selected is based on the
outcome of the Irish Championship which was held from 23rd to
26th October.  The results of the six-round Swiss are: 1-2 P.
Doyle, W. Breen 4; 3-6 S. Loftus, M. Keating, M. Keane, E.
McElroy 3.5; 7-8 J. McAloon, E. Casey 3; 9 M. Meaney 2; 10 P.
Dunne 0.  Willie Breen and Michael Keane did not wish to be
included in the team."

                       Philip Doyle.    


             8th Chess Olympiad of the Blind, 1988

"For me Sunday usually means a lie on but on the 17th of April
I was up at 06.30 to begin a long and tiring journey, which
for myself and five colleagues (two of whom joined us at
London) would end 14 hours later with a hearty and welcome
meal in the hotel Balaton, in Zalaegerzeg, Hungary.  The
latter part of the journey was a three hour coach trip, much
of which was spent in view of the broad Danube.  The terrain
eventually changing from flat farmland to hilly forested
country, which lies close to the Austro-Yugoslav border.  This
district has Zalaegerzeg as its capital, tourism being the
main industry.

The Balaton is a modern hotel with comfortable rooms, however,
many of the teams would be staying at the hotel Arany Barany
about 200 metres away and this proved to be a slight drawback
to the social side.  The tournament was also staged at the
other hotel and this could have been awkward if the weather
had been rainy but the sun shone most of the time and the
first week was very warm.  The meal on our arrival proved to
be a good omen and the food continued to be good for the
remainder of our stay.  Interpreters were assigned to us and
they were a great help especially when shopping.

To introduce our team: on board one, Ernie McElroy; board two,
Sean Loftus; board three, Philip Doyle and board four, Michael
Keating; guide, Laura Keating; captain and guide, Gerry
McElligott.

  During the first week the 23 teams were divided into four
groups and there followed an all-play-all in each group.  For
the second week the top two teams in each group would form a
premier section, with the middle two forming an intermediate
section and the bottom two forming the minor section.  We were
drawn with Austria, Yugoslavia, Finland, France and Belgium. 
Yugoslavia, as expected qualified easily for the premier
section but there was a close race for the second position
between Finland, Austria and Ireland, with the Fins just
getting there.  Ireland had good wins during the first week
over Finland, France and Belgium.  Saturday was a day off and
for anyone not attending the Congress, a coach trip was laid
on. First a visit to a magnificent stately home, and after an
excellent lunch a visit to the forty-mile-long lake Balaton,
before returning to base.  Other spare time was spent shopping
or at night having a drink in the beer keller, adjournments
permitting.  We also made an enjoyable trip to the spa at
Heviz, accompanied by our sprightly 72-year-old interpreter,
Dommie.

During the second week Ireland and Austria were joined in the
intermediate section by England, Sweden, Holland, Spain,
Israel and the host country.  Having played the Austrians
already, our first match was against England and we scored a
fine draw.  Other good draws followed against Sweden, Israel
and Hungary, also a win against the Netherlands.  This gave us
over all, four wins, four draws and three losses.  

The premier section was won once again by the USSR, Yugoslavia
was second and West Germany finished third.  England won the
second section and Belgium the third.  Following the closing
ceremony all that remained to be done was to say goodbye to
our many friends, new and old and especially the Hungarians
who did so much to make us feel at home. Then the long journey
home and for me 12 hours of badly needed sleep."

                         Philip Doyle.

The Irish results were: 
round 1, Ireland 1.5, Austria 2.5; 
round 2, Ireland 0, Yugoslavia 4; 
round 3, Ireland 3, France 1; 
round 4, Ireland 3, Finland 1; 
round 5, Ireland 2.5, Belgium 1.5; 
round 6, Ireland 2, England 2; 
round 7, Ireland 2, Sweden 2; 
round 8, Ireland 2.5, Netherlands 1.5; 
round 9, Ireland 0.5, Spain 3.5; 
round 10, Ireland 2, Israel 2; 
round 11, Ireland 2, Hungary 2.  

The individual scores from 11 rounds were: McElroy, 4.5
points; Loftus, 5; Doyle, 6 and Keating 5.5 points.  The Irish
team scored a total of 21 points and finished 13th.  


                   BCA Gazette, October 1988

                    Cleveland International


"Replies to the invitations sent out to overseas countries
were slow in coming until our Olympiad team carried out some
very effective canvassing during their stay in Hungary.  The
result was an entry of 30, with 22 from overseas and 8 from
England.  Cleveland Council, who had supported this event to
the tune of œ6.500, certainly gave us the "red-carpet"
treatment.  A buffet to start it all off, a Civic Reception
mid-week, to keep things going, and a barbecue and band to
help the prize-giving along at the end of the tournament.  We
were all accommodated in the Teeside Polytechnic hall of
residence and the Chess was played under the same roof.  Now
to the result.  It was soon evident that Magnusson, the Junior
World Champion from Sweden, along with the two Poles,
Dukaczewski and Puchala, the two Spanish players, Rubio and
Burdio, and the West German, Engl, were the leading contenders
for the œ250 first prize.  Going into the final round,
Magnusson had a half-point lead over his nearest rival, and
appeared to have met his main rivals, which made him clear
favourite to take the title.  One should never reckon without
Geoff Carlin, however, and Geoff scored a convincing win over
the young Swede., allowing Heinz Engl, the West German, to
slip through into first place.  Final scores in the 7-round
Swiss were: 5.5 Engl (W. Germany); 5 Magnusson (Sweden),
Puchala (Poland), Carlin (England)."

                         Stan Lovell.

Note: Ireland was represented by Michael Keating who had a
score of 4 points, which included a draw against the eventual
winner.    
 
                    BCA Gazette, April 1989

                 Dublin Millennium Tournament

"14 players took the field for the BCAI's special tournament
to celebrate a thousand years of Dublin's history.  The
competition took place over the October bank holiday weekend
at the splendid new headquarters of the National Council for
the Blind in Whitworth rd.  The tournament room was spacious,
cosy and well lit, with nearby a comfortable lounge and
coffee-bar.  After games, players usually congregated in the
latter to relax and enjoy the sandwiches and other
refreshments which were being served there.  

After four rounds, Philip Doyle held a half point lead. 
However, he lost his final game to Joe McAloon, leaving the
way open to Ernie McElroy and Charlie Marshall, who were
playing against each other.  With time running out for both
players, Charlie was up the Exchange and a Pawn.  but he lost
a Rook dramatically and resigned soon after, leaving Ernie to
pocket the œ100 first prize.  Philip Doyle and Joe McAloon
shared second place, and the remaining prizes went to two new,
young and promising players, Michael Delaney and Larry Currid. 
We were privileged to have a Swedish player present, Roger
Svensson, who, like his ancestral cousins a millennium ago,
proved to be a tough opponent and finished with three points."

                         Philip Doyle

Note: The tournament would have been better attended except
for an unfortunate clash of dates with the BCA's Autumn
Tournament. 


                   BCA Gazette, October 1989

                  IRISZ Kupa (IRIS Cup) 1989

"The third tournament for the IRISZ Kupa took place in the
little town of Szentendre, on the banks of the Danube and just
22 kilometres from Budapest.  The English and Irish parties
met up at Heathrow, and had Ernie McElroy to thank for making
the booking, at a very favourable rate, with Liffey Travel of
Dublin.  When we reached the hotel Danubius, we were to find
that it had received a face-lift and, in fact, work was still
going on at a pace, bringing the bar up to the standard of the
rest of the hotel.  Speaking for myself, I found the food very
good and interesting, and the service excellent.  I realise,
however, that food, and particularly the food of another
country, is very much a personal matter.  Prices of all food
and drinks and many other articles are quite exceptionally
low, and we were able to get a very favourable rate of
exchange,which meant that our trip out cost us very little. 
Some of our party spent time wandering around the craft shops
in Szentendre and picked up some very good bargains.  One of
the most enjoyable days was spent on a cruise up the Danube,
to the town of Piszegrad, the former seat of Hungarian kings. 
The return trip, an hour and a half in each direction, cost us
just 65 pence each.  Now to the Chess.  The Rumanians had
withdrawn from the tournament at short notice, so Hungary
entered a B team to make up the numbers.  The ten teams were
divided into two groups of five for the first phase of the
tournament.  This meant that each team had a day off during
the week.  The English team of Graham Lilley, Paul Benson,
Colin Chambers and Stan Lovell found themselves along with the
Irish team of Ernie McElroy, Sean Loftus, Phil Doyle and Mike
Keating, in the stronger group with Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia
and Hungary A.  The other group consisted of West Germany,
Austria, Poland, Yugoslavia and Hungary B.  The final day, the
group winners, seconds, thirds etc. played off for the final
placings.

Final placings were: 1. Bulgaria, 2. West Germany, 3.
Czechoslovakia, 4. Yugoslavia, 5. England, 6. Poland, 7.
Hungary A, 8. Austria, 9. Hungary (b) 10. Ireland.  The
organisation was generally good, but one hitch occurred when
both the Irish and the Czechs were told that it was their day
off, leaving Bulgaria waiting for opposition which did not
show.

Finally, I must mention the simultaneous given by Sofi and
Judith Polgar.  Only three of a very strong field of 40
managed a win."

                         Stan Lovell.

The Irish results were: 
round 1, Ireland 1, Czechoslovakia 3; 
round 2, Ireland 0, Bulgaria 4; 
round 3, Ireland 1, England 3; 
round 4, Ireland 1, Hungary A 3; 
round 5, Ireland had a bye; 
round 6, Ireland 1.5, Hungary B 2.5.

The individual scores were, in board order: McElroy 1; Loftus
0.5; Doyle 1.5 and Keating 1.5 making a total of 4.5 points.  


                    IBCA Junior Tournament

This was held from 9th-15th August, in the town of Skellefte…
in northern Sweden.  It was a 7-round all-play-all, and the
result was as follows: 1. Draganow (USSR) 5.5; 2. Milivojevic
(Sweden) 5.5; 3. Vertacnik (Yugoslavia) 4.5; 4. Delaney
(Ireland) 3.5; 5. Pacaczek (Poland) 3.5; 6. Covas (Portugal)
3; 7. Maeckelelbergh G. (Belgium) 2; 8. Van Houtte (Belgium)
0.5.

                         Philip Doyle


                   BCA Gazette, January 1990

                 Dublin Open Tournament, 1989

"This event took place at the National Council for the Blind,
over the Irish Bank Holiday weekend of 28th-30th October. 
There were 18 participants, including players from Sweden,
Holland, UK and Ireland.

The Irish BCA, which hosted the event, had some money over
from a previous occasion, and so were able to offer free bed
and breakfast accommodation for three nights to the visiting
players and their guides at local guest houses. 

We were all met at the airport and taken to our guest houses
on the Friday afternoon, and after having a meal at a local
restaurant we were entertained and supplied with free drinks
by the Irish players at the National Council building.  We
also had a very enjoyable social evening on the Sunday at the
same venue, and during and between playing sessions, the
ladies kept us plentifully supplied with sandwiches, tea and
coffee etc.  

Turning to the Chess, the tournament was a 5-round Swiss, with
two rounds on Saturday, two on Sunday and one on Monday.  It
was no surprise that Graham Lilley won the tournament with a
100% record as he was clearly the strongest player there.  The
grading prizes were won by Stan Lovell and Michael Meaney.

The Swedish party had to leave early on the Monday, so Derek
Spink and Ivor Wagner were subjected to an 8-30 AM start to
the last round to play against them.  However, both proved
equal to the task and won their games!

I believe that a similar event is planned for 1990, and I for
one cannot wait to sample more of the friendly Irish
hospitality.

                    Stephen Eastwick-Field.

Scores: 1. G. Lilley 5; 2. J. Van Gelder
(Holland) 4; 3-7 P. Doyle, M. Keating, S. Lovell, J. McAloon,
M. Meaney 3."



                   BCA Gazette, January 1990

                 Spanish Open Tournament, 1989

"1989 was the 25th anniversary of the founding of a Chess club
for the Blind in the Alicante region of Spain.  To celebrate
this, an international tournament for the blind and partially
sighted was held in Benidorm from 4th-11th November.

The tournament was held in the hotel Poseidon, where
participants stayed.  The accommodation and facilities were
first class.  25 players took part in the tournament, which
had an international flavour; 11 players were from Spain, 3
each from Holland and Sweden, 2 from Hungary and a
representative from Belgium, Colombia, Finland, France, GB and
Ireland.

Magnusson (Sweden), a FIDE Master, tied for first place with
Nemes (Hungary) on 5.5 points, but came first on SB.  Tonteri
(Finland) and Van Gelder (Holland) came next with 5 points."


                         Peter Gibbs.

Note: Eamonn Casey, who was accompanied by his wife Teresa,
represented Ireland and finished with a solid 3.5 points.


                    BCA Gazette, July 1990

               7th World Individual Championship

"This event took place from 7th to 21st April 1990 at
Wunsiedel, a medieval town of about 10.000 inhabitants,
situated about half an hour's bus ride from Beyreuth in
Bavaria.

The players and guides were housed in a modern hotel, with
large rooms with en-suite facilities, but the food left
something to be desired and was initially somewhat inadequate. 
The helpers (of whom there was about 35) stayed in an older
hotel, about four minutes walk from the other one, where the
food was excellent and the staff friendly.

There were a number of outings, including one to Beyreuth,
involving a visit to the Opera House which Wagner had built in
the last century.

30 players from 24 countries took part, the USSR, West Germany
and Yugoslavia having more than one representative each. 
Colombia took part for the first time, and there was only one
lady competitor, Maeckelbergh of Belgium.  Mike Meaney, the
Irish player, unfortunately failed to score a point in this
very strong competition, but proved very popular as a singer
and entertainer in the evenings.

The Tournament was won by Khamdamov (USSR) with 8 points,
followed by his compatriot Berlinski with 7.5, with the
Yugoslav player, Avram, 3rd also on 7.5."   

                         Steffi Cohn.


                  BCAI Open Tournament, 1990

The BCAI held their European Chess Tournament in the NCBI
headquarters in Drumcondra, Dublin, over the October bank
holiday weekend.  This increasingly popular Tournament
attracted 24 players from Sweden, Holland, Scotland, and
England as well as the host country.

The eight-strong English contingent was led by Stan Lovell,
Secretary of the British BCA and included the highly rated
British Champion Graham Lilley who won this event last year. 
In the party also was the well-known FIDE Arbiter Gerry Walsh.
The Dutch group had the leading player Jan Van Gelder who has
competed previously in this event.  All three Swedish players
were familiar with the Irish Tournament having also played
here before.  They included the veteran Roger Svensson and the
Canadian born Georgibell Frojse, the only lady entrant, who
insists that she comes "not only for Chess but to buy
Christmas cakes and puddings to bring home, because they are
hard to buy in Sweden and taste nicer from Ireland".  The lone
Scot was Bryan Kilgour who was paying his first visit to this
event.

It was a hard-fought Tournament with no quarter asked and none
given.  Not a Tournament for the nervous, with endgame battles
fought out like gladiators in the arena.  Going into the last
round, the three big men (all over six feet tall) McElroy,
Lilley and Van Gelder shared the lead on 3.5 points each.  In
the final round Lilley beat McElroy and Van Gelder won on time
in a nail-biting finish against the up-and-coming young
international from Ireland Michael Delaney.  As the tie-break
could not separate them, Graham Lilley and Jan Van Gelder
shared 1st and 2nd places with McElroy, Chambers and Doyle
sharing 3rd place.  Grading prizes went to: Section (a)
Michael Delaney; Section (b), Eamonn Casey and Sean O'Brien;
Section (c), Derek Spink, all in all a fair sharing of the
spoils.  

Des Kenny, Chief Executive of the National Council for the
Blind gave the BCAI use of part of the Whitworth rd. premises. 
It includes a good-size playing room, a large rest room for
the players and their friends to use during the Tournament and
a well-stocked canteen which provides light snacks throughout
the Competition.  Indeed this venue is one which many
tournament organisers would be very pleased to have at their
disposal.  Other generous sponsors were: Allied Irish Banks,
National rehabilitation Board, the Commission of the European
Communities and the Bank of Ireland."

               Tim Conlan, Tournament Controller


                    World Cup Chess Finals

"ONCE the Spanish organisation for the visually handicapped
organised the finals of the Chess World Cup in Segovia, from
December 1st-11th 1990.  Segovia is a pleasant city of about
400,000 situated some 50 miles North-West of Madrid.  The
city, which is built on very hilly ground, often necessitating
steps to connect adjacent streets, displays strong Roman
influences, the most obvious of which is a massive viaduct
which in places is over 200 feet high.  The Cathedral is also
of great architectural importance and is maintained by the
Local Authorities.

The 12 top placed teams from the previous Olympiad qualify for
the final of the World Cup but Ireland came 13th in Hungary in
1988.  Another country would have resigned itself for non-
participation, but we did not give up! A scout was dispatched
to Berlin to remove a few bricks from a well-known wall,
initiating the reunification of Germany and, more importantly,
moving Ireland up to 12th place.  You see international
politics makes sense when you know all the details.

As was to be expected the opposition was very tough, but we
were determined to show we were deserving of our place in the
finals.  Our only match win did not please the local crowd
however.  This was not surprising as the team we defeated was
none other than Spain itself.  The winning of other matches
was well within our grasp, especially against England, Finland
and Israel but excellent chances were let slip.  We can be
pleased nevertheless with the fact that we took points off all
the teams competing, with the exception of the USSR and Poland
who finished in first and second place respectively. 
Ireland's 10th place was then very creditable for a 12th ceded
team.

The Irish team comprised: Ernie Mcelroy, Sean Loftus, Michael
Delaney, Joe McAloon and Larry Currid with Manager Gerry
McElligott."  

                       Gerry McElligott

The Irish results were: 
round 1, Ireland 1.5, Finland 2.5; 
round 2, Ireland 1, Hungary 3; 
round 3, Ireland 0, USSR 4; 
round 4, Ireland 1.5, England 2.5; 
round 5, Ireland 1.5, Israel 2.5; 
round 6, Ireland 0, Poland 4; 
round 7, Ireland 1, Germany 3; 
round 8, Ireland had a bye; 
round 9, Ireland 2.5, Spain 1.5; 
round 10, Ireland 1, Yugoslavia 3; 
round 11, Ireland 1, Czechoslovakia 3.  

Individual scores: McElroy, 1.5 points; Loftus, 3; Delaney,
3.5 and McAloon 3, making a total of 11 points.  


                    BCA Gazette, July 1991

            A royal welcome in Germany and Holland

"Saying "royal", I have in mind Frankfurt's Kiser Halle where,
beneath portraits of the Holy Roman Emperors, we were treated
to a sumptuous Civic Reception, but in all other respects our
April 11th-22nd tour proved royal, thanks to the hospitality
and friendship accorded our 23-man party, and to the
tremendous work and organisation of our German hosts Hans Gerd
Schaefer and his wife.From our comfortable guest-house base
(all paid for by our hosts) we were guided around Gelnhausen
(home of the red-bearded Barbarossa), the magical city of
Heidelberg, with its ancient university and lofty medieval
castle, and Frankfurt City itself where, apart from that
reception (presided over by the local Minister of Sport), we
received warm hospitality from the Chess Club for the Blind,
whose Chairman, Helmut Kahler, happens to be the President of
Braille Chess for Germany as a whole.

Oh yes, and we also played a bit of Chess - three matches
against select teams drawn from the Frankfurt Chess Club for
the Blind and the local sighted Club side.  These we lost
comfortably, being heavily out-graded; but the experience was
invaluable, especially for the four of us playing abroad for
the first time and mastering the German notation of moves."

                         Alec Crombie.

Note: My wife Noreen and I joined up with the British party on
the 12th, of April having flown to Frankfurt, but Due to lack
of space at the guest-house we were accommodated at a very
pleasant hotel in Gelnhausen.  We returned to Dublin a week
later at the end of the German leg of the trip while the rest
of the party travelled on to Holland for the Haaksbergen
weekend.  


                 Benasque international, 1991

"ONCE the Spanish organisation for the visually handicapped,
which organised the World Cup last December, scaled greater
heights when it organised "Ajedrez u montana" (Chess in the
mountains) in July.  This 9 round tournament, with 32
participants representing 14 countries, was held in Benasque,
a village high up in the Pyrenees mountains.  At the same time
an individual open tournament with 200 participants including
many GMs and IMs was also held.  This meant the village was
populated almost exclusively by chess players, sheep and
goats.

The tournament was of mixed strength, 1400 Elo to 2300 Elo but
with 11 prizes on offer our representatives Ernie McElroy and
Sean Loftus had reasonable hopes of winning a prize.  Both
players began with a draw in the first round but by round 6
Ernie was disputing the lead on board 1 with Novak, however,
Novak isn't 2300 for nothing and Ernie lost a hard fought
game.  Meanwhile, Sean, having nearly drawn with the same
Novak in round 2, was content to stay in the middle of the
field.  A last round win by Sean gave him a respectable 4
points.  On board 2 Ernie was playing Dukaczewski, needing a
win for a share of second place however the Pole won an
excellently played rook and pawn ending, giving him a share of
first place as Novak unexpectedly lost his last game, his only
defeat.  

First equal Novak (Czechoslovakia) and Dukaczewski (Poland)
7.5; third Gaponenko (USSR) 6.5; fourth equal Benson (UK) and
Palacios (Spain) 6; sixth equal McElroy 5.5; ... 18th equal
Loftus 4 points."

                       Gerry McElligott.



                    BCA Gazette, April 1992

                   Irish Championship, 1991

"This was held from 26th to 28th October last at the National
Council for the Blind in Dublin.  The six-round Swiss had 12
entrants.  At stake were a brand new perpetual shield and
three Olympic places, so the competition was intense.  

The final positions were: 1-2 S. Loftus, M. Delaney 4.5; 3-4
J. McAloon, P. Doyle 4; 5 E. McElroy 3.5; 6-7 M. Keating, G.
Ennis 3; 8 E. Casey 2.5; 9-11 L. Currid, T. Culhane, M. McGinn
2; 12 S. Hall 1.  

The top three later added Philip Doyle to the team, with Ernie
McElroy in the reserve position."

                         Philip doyle.


                   BCA Gazette, January 1992

"Congratulations to Ernie McElroy on becoming League
Champion."

Another fine Correspondence Chess victory for Ernie to add to
his BCA Championship win of 1991.

 
                   9th Chess Olympiad, 1992

"The 9th Chess Olympiad for the Visually Handicapped was held
in Ca'n Picaford, Majorca from April 14th to 29th, 1992.  The
four-yearly event was organised by ONCE, the Spanish
organisation for the blind which also runs the national
lottery.  The event, with a record 33 national teams, was
excellently run and the fact that (unlike in Hungary four
years ago) all the teams were accommodated in one hotel made
for a very sociable event.  The return to the international
community of a multi-racial South African team, after a number
of years in exile, together with the debut of six Latin
American teams: (Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Cuba and
Mexico) was warmly welcomed.  Also welcomed were the new
countries of Russia, Ukraine, Slovenia, Croatia and Lithuania. 

The Latin American participation led to some minor culture
shock.  While the weather for the most part was excellent,
with clear skies and temperatures in the high twenties, the
first three days were rather cold.  During this time one of
the Colombians could be seen travelling the hotel corridors
wearing a fur coat, with the hood up.  We may safely assume
Colombia is a hot country.  Not to be outdone, Joe McAloon
could be observed tucked up in bed wearing a plastic raincoat,
with only his hooded head protruding from under the covers.  

On the other hand, the Europeans were to learn about the Latin
American temperament.  This revealed itself when at every
opportunity the Latins gave a raucous rendition of their
national football chants, each country trying to out-do the
other.  Hitherto peaceful meal times began to sound like
football matches.  Who said Chess is a quiet sport?

The whole event ran very smoothly, however, on one occasion a
power failure doused the playing hall into darkness for about
five minutes.  The evident consternation of the referees
during this period remained a total mystery to most of the
players.  They continued to play on unaware of what had
happened until after the games were finished.  

The best Irish results were: wins against Norway, Holland,
Finland and Italy (revenge for their defeat of us in the
Soccer World Cup) and draws against Sweden and Cuba.  I
suppose there is always the story of the one that got away. 
Sean Loftus had the Ukranian women's world champion Zsiltzova,
on the brink of defeat, when an own-goal saved her bacon.

The competition was won by Russia, second was Yugoslavia,
third Ukraine with Ireland in 22nd place. The Irish team were:
Philip Doyle, Ernie McElroy, Sean Loftus, Michael Delaney and
Joe McAloon.  Manager, Larry Currid and coach Gerry
McElligott.'

                       Gerry McElligott.

The Irish results were: 
round 1, Ireland 3, Norway 1; 
round 2, Ireland 0, Ukraine 4; 
round 3, Ireland 3.5, Italy 0.5; 
round 4, Ireland 3, Finland 1; 
round 5, Ireland 1, Spain 3; 
round 6, Ireland 2, Sweden 2; 
round 7, Ireland 1, Rumania 3; 
round 8, Ireland 2.5, Netherlands 1.5; 
round 9, Ireland 1.5, Slovenia 2.5; 
round 10, Ireland 1.5, Austria 2.5; 
round 11, Ireland 2, Cuba 2.  

The individual scores were, in board order: Doyle, 3 points
from 9 games; McElroy, 4.5 from 9; Loftus, 6 from 10; Delaney,
3 points from 8 games; and reserve McAloon, 4.5 from 8.  Total
21 points.   


                     Profile, August 1992

Ernie McElroy was born in Bandon, Co. Cork in December 1938. 
The eldest in a family of six  he led a normal life until the
age of twelve, when he sustained a detached retina.  This
occurred when he was pushed by another boy, and struck his
head against the kerb.  Several operations followed but
unfortunately all his sight eventually was lost.

Soon after the accident Ernie began attending St. Joseph's
School for the Blind in Dublin.  At that time the standard of
education in the school was not as good as it is today.  There
were no examinations and pupils had the same teacher for all
subjects. This meant that if the teacher had a weak subject
the pupil suffered as a consequence.  

At the age of eighteen Ernie started work as a basket-maker at
one of the City's two workshops which was attached to the
school.  At that time there were almost no other career
opportunities for the blind.  In September 1961 he left the
school campus and joined the other workshop.  Ernie remained
there until June 1977 when he trained as a Telephonist.  Just
three weeks later he sat the Civil Service exam  but although
he was successful it was a further two years before he was
placed.  Eventually he was posted to the Department of
Forestry and Fisheries where he is still employed.  Ernie
would like to have tried his hand at computer programming but
the opportunity did not arise.

Ernie and his wife Vera, who is a Dublin girl, were married in
1963.  They live in Harold's Cross on the South side of Dublin
and have four daughters all of whom are grown-up now.

        Ernie's Chess career, like most of the Irish players,
began at St. Joseph's.  Brother Louis Summerling had joined
the staff in the mid 'fifties but at this early stage there
were no matches against other schools, nevertheless, Ernie was
just one of many fine players who emerged during this period.

In February 1960, Ernie along with Sean Loftus joined the BCA. 
Ever since he has been an enthusiastic Correspondence player
and has won the BCA Championship on two occasions.  At writing
he holds both League and Championship titles, however, he
prefers Over-the-board Chess and nowadays attends BCA events
regularly.

In September 1960 Ernie was one of six blind players who
formed the O'Hanlon Chess Club, which operated from the
National League of the Blind.  In their first season in the
Leinster League they were allowed play all their matches at
home as well as having the dubious privilege of playing
without clocks.  The little Club immediately topped division
three  and eventually won their way into the first division. 
At the end of the 1967-68 season, due to their small
membership, it was decided to merge with another Club.  During
this period Ernie won several inter-provincial caps as well as
the Leinster Intermediate title.

More recently Ernie has been a member of the Phibsboro Club
where he has won many honours, including the Club
Championship.  Internationally he has played in no less than
eight  Olympiads, the World Cup and the IRIS Cup in Hungary. 
His best performance was in 1976 in Finland, when he had a 72%
record.  Ernie recalls his first Olympiad vividly.  While
travelling overland to East Germany the team almost missed
their connection at the Hook-of-Holland and managed to repeat
the exercise on the return journey, this time in London.  The
danger was averted however, by some desperate sprinting
combined with a liberal dose of colourful language.  Also
during this trip Ernie had some trouble with one of his eyes
which was weeping continuously.  While playing a Dane he
conceded a draw from a won position.  Later Ernie's opponent's
wife thinking he was crying because of the missed chance, came
to his room and presented him with a bar of chocolate and
twenty cigarettes.  

Nowadays Ernie plays a vital part in the Irish BCA, especially
where fund raising is concerned.  Also he is a very effective
Secretary of the Civil Service Blind Telephonists union.  He
is an avid reader and enjoys all sports particularly Hurling
and Cricket.  Chess however, remains the dominant interest. 
He likes weekend tournaments best but also enjoys the
cosmopolitan atmosphere surrounding the major events and the
opportunities it affords to meet other nationalities.

                         Philip Doyle.


                   BCA Gazette, January 1993

                  Oakham Chess Festival, 1992

"The tournament held at Oakham School from 20th to 24th August
1992 was a worthy climax to our Diamond Jubilee celebrations. 
It attracted 54 players, 25 of whom came from overseas.

The venue was different from those normally used for our
tournaments in that the playing-room, dining area and bar were
situated in the main building, at some distance from the four
buildings used as sleeping quarters and from the swimming pool
which was available for our use during our stay.

In addition to the main event, in which our top six took on
six of the best players from the rest of the world, 34 took
part in the Major tournament and 8 in the Minor.  The BCA team
comprised Burnell, Horrocks, Chambers, Carlin, Benson and
Lilley.  The Rest of the World was represented by Pohlers from
Germany, Palacios of Spain, Van De Coterlet of Holland,
Dimitrov of Bulgaria, Dukaczewski from Poland and Rev of
Hungary.  The final score was the Rest of the World 20, BCA
16.

Scores in the Major tournament were: Suder (Poland) 5,
Beutelhoff (Germany), McElroy (Ireland), Kehl (Germany) and
Linden-mair (Germany) 4.5; ... Casey (Ireland) 2.5.

Needless to say, Chess was not the last word in this highly
significant event in BCA history.  This was a chance for our
organisation to reflect and, in some small measure, express
our appreciation to the many friends who have helped us over
the years.  Our celebration dinner on the Saturday evening
brought together many members and a number of those friends
and helpers, without whose efforts we would be unable to
function so successfully.  We were delighted to have with us
our special guest, Ted Williams, who has been a member of the
BCA virtually from its beginning.  We owe to Ted and his
pioneers a particular debt of gratitude, for without their
efforts we as an Association would not exist today.  May I
express the hope, on behalf of all of us, that Ted can look
back on those early days with a feeling of pride in what he
helped to initiate and in what has been achieved to date. 
Here's hoping that we can be as successful in our next 60
years."

                          V. Gailans.


                    BCA Gazette, April 1993

                 Dublin Open Tournament, 1992

"On 23rd October, a party of 24 BCA members and friends flew
or sailed to Ireland to visit our friends in the lovely city
of Dublin for the Irish Open Chess Tournament for the visually
handicapped.  This was held at the National Council for the
Blind in Dublin and the event was sponsored by Telecom Eireann
and the National Council.

Half of the party were housed at a guest-house nearby and the
other half stayed at a very nice hotel called the Maples.

On the three evenings we were there, we were entertained by
our hosts, especially one of the Irish players, Mike Meaney,
who sang some Irish songs and was very humorous.  Some of our
party also contributed to the entertainment.  We got a reduced
rate for the evening meals and of course, the drinks went down
a treat.  At the Chess venue the ladies supplied us with
plenty of food and drinks during the day.


There were some hard games played in the five-round Swiss, in
particular, the game between Larry Currid and Graham Lilley. 
This ended as a draw, an outstanding result for Larry, whose
grade is approximately 95.  The prizes were handed out by Mr.
Charles O'Brien, representing Telecom Eireann.

We would like to thank the organising committee of the Irish
BCA and all our hosts for their help and friendship.  They
could not do enough to make our stay a happy one.  I highly
recommend this tournament to players and their friends."

                         Derek Spink.
  
The results were: 1. G. Lilley 4.5; 2-3. C. Chambers, S.
Lovell 4.  Grading prizes-Group 1: S. Thacker.  Group 2: L.
Currid and D. Spink.  Group 3: I. Wagner and G. Patching.


                    Sportslink, April 1993

                         First at last

"When it comes to Postal Chess, the Irish members of the BCA
have an excellent record against their British counterparts,
in fact, we have won the BCA Postal Championship on several
occasions.  In Over-the-board Chess however, things have been
different and although we have had seconds and thirds aplenty,
first place seemed always to elude us.  I had a great feeling
of satisfaction therefore when I started my clock for the
final round of the BCA's AGM Tournament in Llandudno, knowing
that no matter what happened, one of my colleagues, Ernie
McElroy or Sean Loftus, would at least share first place. 
They were both a half point ahead of the field and drawn
against each other.  Although Ernie had an excellent chance to
win this game, it was eventually drawn, leaving five players
to share the prize-money.  As Sean had the best tie-break
score, it is his name which will be engraved on the shield.  A
fitting finale to his 21st BCA appearance.  

The other Irish players who travelled, Michael McGinn and
myself, had more modest achievements, as did our two
emigrants, Martin Kane and Jim Cuthbert.  I hope the BCA will
hold more tournaments in Llandudno, as they have been
remarkably fortunate with the weather.  On both occasions when
I was there the weather was glorious, and in the middle of
March at that."

                         Philip Doyle.


                   Sportslink, December 1993

                   Irish Championship, 1993

"The 5th Irish Championship for the visually impaired was
staged during the October Bank Holiday weekend at the NCBI
headquarters in Dublin.  A special Junior Tournament which was
sponsored by Irish Blindsports was held in conjunction with
the main event and this proved a great success.

The Championship itself was a 6 round Swiss tournament with 9
entrants.  This meant that one player had to be given a bye in
each round but this disadvantage was compensated for bye the
highly competitive manner in which  the games were fought out,
and as a result, there were very few draws.

The top cedes, Ernie McElroy and myself shot into an early
lead, winning our first two games, which meant that we were
drawn against each other in the third round.  Here, a major
blunder on my part meant a quick win for Ernie, and a full
point lead going into round 4.  This time Ernie drew with the
defending joint Champion, Sean Loftus, so that his lead was
reduced to a half point, however, I stumbled again in the
fifth round against the veteran, Willie Breen, who was having
a magnificent tournament, while Ernie was having another win,
this time against Michael Keating.  In the final round,
despite getting something of a fright from Willie, Ernie came
through with his second draw and therefore becomes our new
Champion, with the right to represent Ireland at the World
Individual in Minsk, next September.

The Junior Tournament was contested by 7 players, and here
Paul Bellew from Balbriggan won his first four games but
crashed down to earth in the final round with a defeat by
Shane Hall, leaving the way open for thirteen-year old Tony
Murray from St. Joseph's to draw level.  This meant a pooling
of the œ30 first prize and œ20 second prize, with œ25 going to
each of the joint winners. Our thanks again to Irish
Blindsports who donated the prize money and to the NCBI for
providing refreshments as well as giving us the use of there
premises.

Final scores in the Championship were: 1 E. McElroy on 5
points; 2-4 P. Doyle, S. Loftus, and W. Breen 4 points; 5 M.
Keating 3.5; 6-8 E. Casey, M. Delaney and J. McAloon 2.5 and
finally L. Currid 2 points."

                         Philip Doyle


                     Sportslink, June 1994

                         Cork cracker

"On Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th of March, the Irish
Braille Junior Chess Championship took place at the Imperial
Hotel; hosted by the local Red Abbey Chess Club.  As well as
the Junior Tournament, Speed and Lightning competitions were
held for senior players.

The proceedings were officially opened by Alderman Jim Corr,
Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, who particularly welcomed those who
travelled from afar for the Tournament.  Players from various
parts of Munster and a strong contingent from Dublin contested
the Junior section.  By Saturday evening after 3 rounds it
looked like a 3-horse race between Paul Bellew Dublin, Michael
Meaney Limerick and Michael McGinn Dublin.  While this was in
full swing, 8 of Ireland's top senior players did battle for
an impressive array of prizes.  

On Saturday night the Tournament room underwent a complete
change, and a room which had been filled with tension, clocks
and black and white Chess pieces, gave way to music, crack and
black and white pints of stout.  

Despite the rigours of a great social evening, the Tournament
resumed at 11 am on Sunday.  After 2 more rounds Paul Bellew
became the Junior Champion on Count-back from Michael Meaney. 
Philip Dunne came with a late burst to finish 3rd ahead of
Michael McGinn.  

Sean Loftus won the Speed Tournament from Michael Delaney and
Philip Doyle.  The Lightning Tournament was won by Michael
Delaney from Philip Doyle and Willie Breen.

At the presentation of prizes, the Red Abbey Chess Club
expressed their sincere gratitude to Mr. Barry O'Brien, who
had worked so hard to ensure the Tournament's success.  Also a
special thanks to the management and staff of the Imperial
Hotel, the members of the Munster Chess Association and
Barry's colleagues at Cash and Co.  

The Red Abbey Chess Club would also like to thank the sponsors
for their generous contribution to the Tournament including Le
Creuset, Cash and Co., TSB, T. L. Eegan, Braille Chess
Association and NCBI."

                          Sean Walshe


                   BCA Gazette, January 1995

                  IRISH OPEN TOURNAMENT, 1994

"This event took place as usual during the October bank
holiday weekend at the National Council for the Blind in
Dublin.  The Tournament was of 5 rounds with, for the first
time, a senior and a junior section  and this arrangement
seemed to be popular with the weaker players who participated
in greater numbers than on previous occasions.

The visitors, who's numbers were somewhat down on last time,
along with a few of the locals were accommodated at the Maples
Hotel which once again proved very satisfactory.  On Saturday
night, following an excellent meal, we were entertained with
music and songs by Michael Meaney as well as some less well
known artists from among the players and guides.

In the Senior section there were fourteen players and after 3
rounds Michael Delaney stood alone on maximum points.  In
round 4 he was drawn against Collin Chambers from England and
Collin won this nerve-racking game on time to leap-frog into a
half point lead.  In the final round Chambers was drawn
against Philip Doyle while Delaney was matched against Sean
Loftus.  This proved to be a dramatic climax, with Philip
defeating Collin, giving Delaney the chance to regain his lead
and this he did to take the top prize of œ70, leaving Chambers
and Doyle to share second place.  The grading prize was shared
as well between Sean O'Brien and Steven Thacker both from
England.

There were ten players in the Junior section and here Willie
Britten seemed to be all set for victory having won his first
4 games on the trot, however, on the morning of the final
round he got caught up in the Dublin City Marathon traffic
diversions and arrived for play 50 minutes late.  Despite this
setback Willie was winning his game comfortably only to lose
on time to Paul Bellew allowing Paul a share of the spoils. 
Third place in the Junior went to Eric Gallacher from Scotland
with another tie for fourth between Michael Meaney and Darren
Butler.

Once again we are grateful to the National Council for the
Blind and the National Rehabilitation Board for their
continued support, also all of our tournament controllers,
caterers and providers of transport, including the Knights of
Columbanus who's representative Tony Lyons this year presented
the prizes."

                         Philip Doyle 


                    Sportslink, April 1995

            8TH WORLD INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIP, 1995

"36 players from 31 countries came together for the 8th World
Individual Chess Championship for the Blind, which was held in
La Mata, Spain, from January 14th to 22nd 1995.

The competitors came from 4 continents and from as far away as
Argentina, Colombia, Cuba and Kazakstan, and their abilities
varied as well, ranging from Master standard down to your
average club player.

La Mata is a small town south of Alicante but with the
exception of warm sunshine it had little to offer at this time
of the year, being entirely geared to the tourist industry. 
Fortunately the organisers laid on a bus each morning to the
nearby large town of Torrevieja, which has an abundance of
shops and other amenities as well as the best open-air market
I have seen.

The Tournament organisation left a lot to be desired and the
Spaniards lived up to their reputation for not communicating
with their guests but nevertheless they must be given great
credit for taking on the project with only a few months
notice.  This came about due to the cancelation of the
arrangements to hold the Tournament in Byelorussia in the
summer.

In the absence of the holder the obvious favourites for the
title were the 2 Russians Krylov and Berlinski, both former
Champions, but few suspected that there was a dark horse in
our midst.  Jounoussov who hails from Kazakstan soon made his
intensions plain when he defeated Suder from Poland in round 3
and Berlinski in round 4.  At this point the entire Tournament
was shifted from the Hotel in La Mata to the Royal Sea Club in
Torrevieja, but the newcomer was unperturbed by this and went
on to win 7 games in a row.  He was already assured of the
title when in the 8th and final round he met Krylov and in
this game the Russian came out on top.

First was Jounoussov (Kazakstan) with 7 points: second
Berlinski (Russia) 6.5 and third Suder (Poland) with 6 points. 
For my part, i had wins against players from Hungary, Latvia
and Greece; draws with Denmark and the Czech Republic and
losses to Slovenia, England and Israel, giving me a total of 4
points and twentieth position over all.

I was reasonably pleased with this result but feel I played
well only in patches.  I believe I would have done better had
I had the assistance of my Coach Gerry McElligott, who
unfortunately had a road accident only a few days before
leaving which forced him to withdraw.  After initial doubt and
indecision on my part as to whether to continue, my Wife
Noreen stepped into the breach and with the cooperation of
Iberia airline the show once more was back on the road.

On my return I was pleased to find that Gerry was making a
good recovery following an operation for a fractured cheek
bone which detained him in hospital for a week."

                         Philip Doyle 


                    BCA Gazette, April 1996

                   Irish Championship, 1995

The 6th Irish Championship for the visually impaired was held
from October 27th to 30th, at the National Council for the
Blind in Dublin.  A gruelling all-play-all between the
Country's eight leading players produced the following result:
1 P. Doyle 6; 2-3 S. Loftus, E. Mcelroy 4.5; 4 J. Mcaloon 3.5;
5-7 W. Breen, M. Keating, M. Delaney 3; 8 E. Casey 0.5.

As well as the main event, a Minor Tournament was held, and
this also had eight players.  It was won by Willie Britten,
with 4.5 points from 5 rounds, with Stephen Kennedy in second
place, a half point behind.

The highlight of the weekend came on Saturday evening, when a
special dinner for 27 members and friends was held, to
celebrate our Association's 10th birthday.  Quinn's pub, well
known to our Open Tournament visitors, was the setting for the
merrymaking, and its restaurant proved a fitting location to
commemorate a decade of significant achievement.

                         Philip Doyle


                   Sportslink, January 1997

                      10th Olympiad, 1996

"The 10th Olympiad of the Blind took place from 1 - 10th June,
in Laguna, Brazil.  Laguna is a very old fishing town in the
Southern part of this huge Country, much frequented by the
neighbouring Argentineans who avail of the sailing and surfing
to be found there.  In the southern hemisphere, June is the
winter season and so Laguna was largely deserted, and
therefore, it provided few distractions for the Chess players. 
Undaunted, some of the hardy Scandinavians could be seen
taking an icy dip in the Atlantic, to the great consternation
of the locals.

This Olympiad was the first to be held outside Europe, so it
must have been something of a relief to the organisers when it
was well supported by the Europeans, including a few
newcomers.  But it was less well attended by the Latin
Americans themselves.  

In all 29 countries turned up for the Championship, while
Brazil supplied a second team to ensure an even number for the
draw.  Due mainly to the high cost of travel, Ireland was not
represented this time, but we are hoping to make a comeback in
Poland, where the next Olympiad is scheduled.

The final top 12 positions were as follows: 1 Russia; 2
Ukraine; 3 - 4 Byelorussia and Poland; 5 Yugoslavia; 6 Spain;
7 Germany; 8 - 12 Hungary, Great Britain, Estonia, Macedonia
and Bulgaria."

                         Philip Doyle


                    BCA Gazette, April 1997

                  Irish Open Tournament, 1996

The Irish BCA held its European Chess Tournament at Barry's
Hotel, Dublin, between Friday 25th and Monday 28th October. 
The Tournament consisted of 6 rounds in the Swiss system, and
it attracted a record entry of 31 competitors.  There were 15
players from England, 13 from Ireland, and 3 from Germany. 
The Major section (players graded above 100) had an entry of
18, and the Minor section (players graded below 100) had an
entry of 13.

The guests stayed in the Belvedere Hotel, but visited Barry's
Hotel on the same street, to play Chess and to have evening
meals.  Most of the visitors expressed satisfaction with their
accommodation, and the late opening hours of the bar in the
Belvedere were widely appreciated by the thirsty Chess
players.  Each evening there was plenty of chat and singsongs,
and on Saturday night Michael Meaney performed a number of old
favourites on his accordion.

There were many hard battles fought on the Chessboards during
the Competition, and a significant number of games went all
the way on the clock.  The final results were as follows:

Senior section: 1st J. Pohlers (Germany) 5 points; joint 2nd
M. Delaney (Ireland), C. Chambers, C. Ross 4.5 points.  M.
Keating and S. Loftus shared the Grading prize for Section A,
while Section B was shared by 4 English players: J. Gallagher,
D. Hodgkins, S. Eastwick-Field, and R. Murphy.

Junior section: 1st A. Gardener 5 points; 2nd S. Kennedy
(Ireland) 4.5; joint 3rd D. Spink and M. Meaney (Ireland) 4
points.  In this section the Grading prize went to K. Harris.

Chris Ross (134) deserves a special word of praise for his
performance in the Senior section.  Chris managed a win
against the second cede Stephen Williamson (168) and a draw
against the top cede Jorgen Pohlers (198).  Chris is still
only 17 years of age, and he is certainly one of the most
promising young English players to have emerged in recent
years.

                        Stephen Kennedy


                     Sportslink, May 1997

                     A man for all seasons

"On a balmy Monday evening in early March, a good humoured
group of Chess players and their friends assembled in the
Fireman's Club, in Dublin, to celebrate the eightieth birthday
of one of the most senior Chess players in the Country.  The
function was a combined effort between the Phibsboro Chess
Club and the Braille Chess Association, and was ably organised
by Tony Duffy and Eamonn Casey.  Following a very amusing and
glowing speech, Michael Keane made the presentation, and also
penned this tribute to the career of his long-time friend and
guest of honour.


Willie Breen was born in Dublin on March the 10th 1917.  He
was one of a family of twelve, eight girls and four boys. 
Willie was only three years of age when he contracted
Trachoma, a very serious eye complaint.  Much of the next six
or seven years was spent in the Eye and Ear Hospital in
Dublin, in an effort to save some of his rapidly failing
vision, but alas, to little or no avail.  

His Mother, recognising the necessity for Willie to receive an
education, successfully obtained for him a place at St.
Joseph's School for the Blind, Drumcondra, where he learned to
read and write through Braille.  So, from the age of twelve to
eighteen years, Willie received a sound elementary education
under the concerned guidance of Christy Murphy, a lay Teacher
in that School.  

At this point, Willie transferred to the Workshops for the
Blind where he learned the trade of mat making, at which he
was gainfully employed for almost half a century.  During his
apprenticeship period in the Workshops, Willie learned from a
workmate how to play Chess.  Having grasped thoroughly the
rudiments of the game, Willie worked and studied tirelessly to
attain near perfection.  At this time he joined the North City
Chess Club, later to become the Kevin Barry Chess Club, and
within a very short time was challenging for the right to play
at board 1 for that Club.  

In about 1936 Willie joined the Braille Chess Association, a
British based body established to advance Correspondence Chess
amongst the blind and visually impaired, and soon he became
the opponent that everyone wanted to play.  Some of the more
senior players in the Braille Chess Association played Willie
continuously for over thirty years.  In those days Willie won
practically every prize the BCA had on offer, including the
9th Championship.  His analytical prowess did not go unnoticed
either, for the BCA appointed him as one of their adjudicators
for Best Played Game Competitions and the Brilliancy Prize
Competition.  

At the end of the 1940's, a generally held view of many senior
players was that Willie Breen was the strongest player in
Leinster.  But unfortunately, as Willie did not participate in
individual competitions in those days, it must remain a
generally held view.  

In 1953 Willie had a very serious car accident in which he was
extremely lucky to survive.  Having made a complete recovery,
he married two years later, but bringing a lull in his over-
the-board Chess until 1960 when the O'Hanlon Chess Club for
the Blind and Visually Impaired was founded.  Willie applied
himself with renewed enthusiasm, playing Board 1 for the Club,
where he acquitted himself with remarkable distinction. 
Willie also represented Ireland in four international Braille
Chess Olympiads for the Blind, and continues to represent his
Club right up to the present day.

So Willie, on this the occasion of your eightieth birthday, we
salute you with good wishes for the future, while undertaking
to assure you that we commit both Black and White Pieces to
defend you, our unique King."

                         Michael Keane


                   Sportslink, January 1998

                   Irish Championship, 1997

The 7th Irish Chess Championship for the visually impaired
took place during the October bank holiday weekend, at the
National Council for the Blind in Dublin.  This year there
were ten participants, a relatively small number, which forced
us to abandon plans for a Junior section.  As a result, the
weaker players were included in the main event, a 6-round
Swiss, and the vagaries of this system gave some of the main
contenders a much harder ride than others.  

Among these was Willie Breen who once again gave a superb
display, belying his eighty years and taking some prize scalps
in the process, only to falter at the final hurdle.  Willie's
victims included myself in round 1 and Michael Keating in
round 5, when Michael looked nicely poised to take his first
title.  Eamonn Casey too, will be well pleased with his
performance having had solid draws with Sean Loftus and Willie
Breen as well as a good win over Joe McAloon.

Going into the final round, three players, Keating, Breen and
Doyle were a half point ahead of the field but amazingly, all
three lost and were overtaken by their immediate pursuers,
Delaney, McAloon and Casey.  After the dust had settled it
became clear that Michael Delaney was our new Champion but
only as a result of his superior tie-break score.

Final results: 1-3 M. Delaney, J. McAloon, E. Casey 4 points;
4-7 M. Keating, W. Breen, S. Loftus, P. Doyle 3.5; 8-9 S.
Kennedy, T Murray 2; 10 S. Hall 0.

                         Philip Doyle


                  Sportslink, September 1998

               9th World Individual Championship

Held in Brno in the Czech Republic from the 4th to the 12th
July, 1998.  Normally, this Tournament is confined to one
player from each competing Country but on this occasion
because of the 40th anniversary of the International Braille
Chess Association, it was thrown open to up to four
competitors from each Country.  Ireland decided to send three
players, our Champion Michael Delaney, Sean Loftus and Eamonn
Casey.  

With Kieran English and Gerry McElligott as our guides and
mentors, we set off for the Czech Republic on Thursday July
2nd.  Our journey wasn't actually totally uneventful!   On
arriving in London, when our tickets were checked we were
informed that we were travelling a day early.  As the one who
made the travel arrangements, I imagine I turned a whiter
shade of pale!  However, on closer inspection, it was
discovered that they were the tickets for our bus journey from
Prague to Brno the following day, so, everything turned out
all right.

Having arrived in Prague on the night of the 2nd, we found our
Hotel but not without some difficulty.  The following day we
proceeded to Brno, the Capital of Moravia, near the Austrian
border.  The accommodation proved to be adequate as was the
food, although the helpings could have been better.  Having
said that, the local restaurants were so cheap that we ate out
on several occasions.

Turning to the Chess, there were 86 players from 32 countries. 
The standard was extremely high, however, all three Irish
players performed to their best level.  There was a good-sized
Tournament room and the playing conditions were very
satisfactory.  The first 29 players were ceded according to
their Elo ratings of over 2200, while the remaining players
were ceded alphabetically.  In the first round on Saturday, I
was drawn against Smoliakov, a very strong Russian but lost,
having given him a good run for his money.  Sean also lost to
Bischoff, the German Champion while Michael had a good draw
against the Dutch player, Verboom.  On The Sunday,
unfortunately all three of us went down to defeat.  From there
on, things started to improve as we found our level.  On
Monday, Both Sean and Michael won while I was still on zero. 
On Tuesday, I picked up my first half point and was very
relieved to get it.  From there on, we all took our turns at
winning and losing.  I managed to get my last 2.5 points from
my last three games and I was glad to be able to get these
results under my belt.  Sean and Michael finished a half point
ahead of me with 3.5 points.  Michael looked like doing better
but was unlucky to run into two very strong opponents in the
last two rounds and suffered two losses.  

The Tournament was won by Smirnov (Russia) with 7.5 points
from 9 rounds; then came four players on 7 points: Wassin
(Ukraine) Berlinski (Russia) Durban (Spain) and Tatarczak
(Poland). 

                         Eamonn Casey


                   Sportslink, December 1998

                  Irish Open Tournament, 1998

The Irish Open Chess Championships were held at the Metropole
Hotel, Cork, from Friday 9th to Monday 12th October.  The Host
Club, The Red Abbey Chess Club for the Visually impaired, were
delighted with the turnout which attracted a record entry of
34 competitors, including 5 from India, 4 from Sweden, 3 from
Germany and 11 each from the UK and Ireland.

The Tournament had six Rounds in the Swiss System, but for a
time it looked like it might be only five.  this was due to an
incident at Cork Airport on the Friday afternoon, when a Jumbo
jet landing left a pothole in the runway, holding up several
flights which, as luck would have it,  were carrying nearly
half our players.  Fortunately however, the dent was repaired
just in time to allow the Tournament schedule to go ahead as
planned.

The Tournament consisted of a Senior Section for players
graded above 1400 Elo, and a Junior Section for players graded
below 1400.  The draw was made by computer which very cleverly
kept players of the same nationality from meeting during the
first two rounds.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Joe O'Flynn, performed the
official opening and also took the opportunity to present, a
very surprised Ernie McElroy, with the trophy for the Braille
Chess Association Postal Championship, which he won recently.

The Senior Tournament:
There were no upsets in round 1 but Michael Delaney gave
Magnusson,  the top cede from Sweden, a good run for his
money.  Eventually however, Magnusson sacrificed a Knight for
two Pawns to make the breakthrough for the win.
 
In round 2 The only surprise was the defeat of Williamson from
England by Madan from India.  At this stage, it was clear that
the Indians would be a force to be reckoned with.

Round 3 brought the two top cedes, Magnusson and the defending
Champion Pohlers,  together.  Pohlers from Germany was beaten
after a long struggle, and at this stage the Swede, a former
professional player, was the hot favourite to become the 1998
Champion.

In round 4 Pohlers dropped a further half point behind, having
lost a Pawn in the Opening to Doyle.

On the top boards in round 5, Magnusson beat Williamson,
Delaney beat Sanjay, Pohlers beat Chambers, Charudatta beat
Madan and McElroy beat Doyle.

In Round 6 Magnusson beat McElroy to finish with a perfect
score.  Delaney, who had won 4 games on the trot, agreed a  
draw with Pohlers when he had winning chances.  Sanjay lost to
Charudatta, Shirish beat Williamson, Doyle beat Loftus,
Chambers beat Madan and Casey, the bottom cede beat Hodgkins
to finish with an excellent 3 points.

After 6 rounds, the top 5 places were filled by: 1 Jurgen
Magnusson (Sweden) 6 points; 2-3 Michael Delaney (Ireland),
Charudatta Jadhav (India) 4.5; 4 Jorgen Pohlers (Germany),
Shirish Patel (India) 4.

The Junior Tournament:
The most notable points about the Junior were the poor showing
of the top cede, George Plechaty, who could only manage 3
points and by contrast, the excellent performance of Stephen
Kennedy from Drogheda.  Stephen, was unable to play in round 1
for which he was awarded a half point "travelling bye".  For
the remaining 5 rounds however, Stephen entirely outclassed
the field, while adding a further 5 points to his total.

A special word of praise is due to Trevor Hussey who was
playing in his first ever-adult event.  Trevor is only
thirteen years of age and gave a great account of himself
against top class chess players from all over the world.

After 6 rounds, the top 4 places were filled by: 1 Stephen
Kennedy (Ireland) 5.5; 2 Brian Perham
     (England) 5; 3 Michael Meaney (Ireland) 4; 4 Derek Spink
(England) 3.5.

At the prise giving on Monday afternoon, Mrs.  Rita Murray
presented her late Father's Cup, The "Red Abbey Challenge
Cup", To Mr. Magnusson on a score of 6 out of 6.  A truly
worthy champion, and Mrs. Martina Corrigan presented The "Dan
Seaman Cup" to Stephen Kennedy on a score of 5.5.  Again
another worthy champion.

It fell to our Chairman, Eamonn Casey, to perform the final
official duty of the weekend, when he presented Tim Conlan
with a certificate and badge to mark his recent appointment by
the International Braille Chess Association to the position of
International Arbiter.  After so many years of devoted service
to Braille Chess, it's hard to think of a more deserving
recipient.

It would be entirely remiss of us to end this report without
mention of the off-the-board activities, which were A central
feature of this Tournament.  On Saturday morning, when the
Chess was in full swing, a coach left the Metropole Hotel
taking relations, friends and guides on a guided day trip of
Fota Island Wildlife Park and Cobh Heritage Centre.  While on
Sunday, the party visited Blarney Castle and Cork Heritage
Gaol.

On the Saturday night, the Attridge Traditional Group treated
the visitors to an Irish Dancing Display and this was followed
by informal dancing until the early hours.  While on Sunday
night, the Martin O'Donoghue Traditional group did the
honours.


We take this opportunity to thank all those who generously
volunteered their time to assist with the fund raising and the
efficient running of the event.  Many Organisations and
Companies provided funding and for this we acknowledge their
generous support.  Overall, this was a great weekend and our
visually impaired visitors enjoyed themselves both on and off
the Chessboard.

                Philip Doyle and Barry O'Brien