UCU Web 2014

Container for articles and other items from 2014 season
Belfast South : week 2

Belfast South : week 2

The Belfast South Flexible Tournament started on 21st October. It runs every Monday evening through till spring-time when the Summer Tournament will begin. The competition is open to all UCU members

Belfast South : week 2 - Read More…

GOING DUTCH

GOING DUTCH

An arresting telegram arrived today, delivered by a fresh-faced young chap sporting a peaked cap and a very unlikely, tight tunic. I didn't think telegrams still existed nevermind Post Office delivery boys...

GOING DUTCH - Read More…

The Agony and the Ecstacy

Martin Kelly reports on his recent performances in the League, UCU Masters and the recent ICU event in Kilkenny. Martin provides some clues on other UCU members playing in Kilkenny

The Agony and the Ecstacy - Read More…

Belfast South Tourney: part 1

Belfast South Tourney: part 1

Belfast South's Flexible Winter Tournament has reached its half-way mark. The tournament restarts on Monday 6th January with another 11 weeks to go before awarding prizes.

Belfast South Tourney: part 1 - Read More…

BSCC - Best Game Autumn 2013

The Belfast South Best Game prize for Autumn 2013 has been awarded to Martin Kelly vs Robert Lavery for their match-up from Round 2. Move 12 and Robert, as Black, sacrifices his Rook with Rxc3

BSCC - Best Game Autumn 2013 - Read More…

Belfast South 2014

Belfast South 2014

Four weeks into the New Year and its all change at the top of the Flexible Tournament standings. 2014 has started badly for the 2013 leader, Robert Lavery; everyone, it seems, is racing ahead of him.

Belfast South 2014 - Read More…

3 weeks to go

3 weeks to go

Only 3 weeks left in Belfast South's regular Monday tournament. Top honours are far from certain and there is just enough time for outsiders to get a couple of games in to meet the qualifying quota and maybe steal a win.

3 weeks to go - Read More…

Belfast South Finale

The final game night for the Belfast South Flexible Tournament is coming up on Monday 24th March. The winner has yet to be decided so there is everything to play for; well, for some folks anyway.

Belfast South Finale - Read More…

Tournament Finale

Tournament Finale

Belfast South's Autumn/Winter Tournament reached its finale on Monday night. After 19 weeks of competition it came down to the final week to determine the winner

Tournament Finale - Read More…

Muldoons open for business

Muldoons open for business

Magherafelt to Mallusk and now to Muldoons. The south antrim club are on the move again and this time they have their eyes on something more than the John Strawbridge Cup!

Muldoons open for business - Read More…

NICS Inaugural Intense Rapidplay

NICS Inaugural Intense Rapidplay

On Sunday 20th October Civil Service CC is running its first-ever Intense Rapidplay. Don't be put off by the title, the club is offering a day of friendly but competitive chess.

NICS Inaugural Intense Rapidplay - Read More…

NICS Intense Rapidplay

Report on NICS first in a series of Intense Rapidplays. The one-day tourneys build up to a seasons Grand Prix finale

NICS Intense Rapidplay - Read More…

Belfast South vs NICS

On only their second outing, NICS trekked to Belfast South and nearly caused a major upset. But for some tenacious nail-biting from Neil Green, the last board to finish fell for the home team.

Belfast South vs NICS - Read More…

NICS vs Muldoons

Match report: NICS vs Muldoons 31/10/2013

NICS vs Muldoons - Read More…

NICS vs Lindores

After complicated too-ing and fro-ing by email & phone between NICS, Lindores and the League Controller a match-up was finally confirmed. Unable to secure accommodation in the Pavilion, NICS decamped to the Holywood Arches to continue their onward league quest. Yet another opportunity to create an upset for a Silver King contender.

NICS vs Lindores - Read More…

NICS vs Ballynafeigh

Tues 19th Nov. NICS tripped down to Ballynafeigh Community Centre for a league match more to their liking - Ballynafeigh's number 3 team. After the past couple of weeks of demolitions from Muldoons, Fisherwick and Lindores, the team ought be able ought gain some points and lift themselves clear of the bottom.

NICS vs Ballynafeigh - Read More…

Fruithill vs NICS

After their victory last week, a relaxed NICS team travelled across the city to Fruithill. Perhaps they should have been a bit more concerned: strong-man McAlister was missing for the match and Fruithill have a reputation for fielding strong home-teams. As it was, the visitors were not entirely out-gunned.

Fruithill vs NICS - Read More…

NICS Lackadaisical

NICS Lackadaisical

The next event in NICS rapidplay series is the "Lackadaisical" scheduled for Sunday 26th January. As intense as ever but the start and stop times make it an easy one for those challenged by an early rise on Sunday mornings. We have even got the caterers in so you can have your Sunday lunch made for you before you start.

NICS Lackadaisical - Read More…

UCU Newsletter

UCU Newsletter

The UCU Web Team have just finalised the Union's monthly newsletter. The first issue should be sent out over the first weekend in November. If you have not been subscribed, use the sign-up tool to add your name for the next issue.

UCU Newsletter - Read More…

Website Improvements

Website Improvements

In addition to the release of the UCU Monthly Newsletter, the Web Team have made a few changes to the website to make it more accessible to members. We are also bringing in a substantial body of historical articles for the UCU Archive.

Website Improvements - Read More…

Ulster Masters 2013

Ballynafeigh hosted the 3rd Ulster Masters last weekend. This year, rather than two distinct sections, both seniors & challengers were combined. A broad range of talent competing in the 2-day tournament starting on Saturday 16th November

Ulster Masters 2013 - Read More…

B&D League

B&D League

Seven weeks into the League and teams are starting to sort themselves out. There only another 4 matches (2 before & 2 after the holidays) left in this part of the competition before we break into Divisions 1 & 2 and the battle for the Silver King starts in earnest.

B&D League - Read More…

UCU News Correction

UCU News Correction

Apologies for an error in this months UCU News: the final round in the Belfast South Tournament will be on Monday 16th December and not as reported

UCU News Correction - Read More…

B&D League Christmas break

B&D League Christmas break

Christmas is upon us and the final match has been played in 2013. The league is settling down now as we approach the break when the competition separates into two divisions. With most teams having a couple of fixtures remaining in this section, it is not at all clear who will be up and who will be down - apart from the top and bottom of course which is pretty clear cut.

B&D League Christmas break - Read More…

UCU Blitz 2013

The final event of 2013: the UCU Blitz Championship. An afternoon of outrageously fast and furious play to sort out the men from the boys.

UCU Blitz 2013 - Read More…

B&D League: Part 2

Part 1 of the League has finished albeit with one result awaiting adjudication. However, this won't affect the split which is made all the more interesting with an influx of a few extra teams. The League Controller has released the fixtures lists too so the cup races begin in earnest on 27th January

B&D League: Part 2 - Read More…

Kelly "Marshalls" his Attacks as Black

Here are two recent miniatures, which Martin Kelly won as Black, each proving Black gambits do work! Having lost to a Lopez a few weeks earlier in Cork (Alex Lopez, that is), Kelly wins against a Lopez (Ruy Lopez, that is!)

Kelly "Marshalls" his Attacks as Black - Read More…

B&D League - week 5 analysis

B&D League - week 5 analysis

Five weeks in and both divisions have leaders almost a full game-set of points ahead of their closest challenger. But there are at least another 9 weeks left and with some startling results and upsets already, especially in Division 2, consistency might be hard to come by.

B&D League - week 5 analysis - Read More…

Ballynafeigh 2 vs Fisherwick

On October 29th, the Silver King holders visited Ballynafeigh Community House.

Ballynafeigh 2 vs Fisherwick - Read More…

Ballynafeigh 2 vs Fruithill

Ballynafeigh 2 vs Fruithill - November 19th, 2013

Ballynafeigh 2 vs Fruithill - Read More…

B&D League - Part 2, Week 3 round-up

B&D League - Part 2, Week 3 round-up

Lindores take the lead and Belfast South are involved in further controversy, but the big story of the week was in Division 2.

B&D League - Part 2, Week 3 round-up - Read More…

B&D League - Part 2, Week 4 round-up

B&D League - Part 2, Week 4 round-up

Fisherwick retake the lead, while Bangor slip up in Division 2.

B&D League - Part 2, Week 4 round-up - Read More…

Williamson 2014

Now over 100 years old, the Williamson Shield was up for grabs over the weekend of 22/23 February at the familiar venue of The Maynard Sinclair Pavilion. Always a popular event in the UCU calendar.

Williamson 2014 - Read More…

B&D League - Part 2, Week 6 round-up

B&D League - Part 2, Week 6 round-up

Another lead change in Division 1, while NICS slip up in the Division 2 title hunt.

B&D League - Part 2, Week 6 round-up - Read More…

B&D League - Part 2, Week 7 round-up

B&D League - Part 2, Week 7 round-up

As the divisional stage reaches the halfway point, Fisherwick retake the Division 1 lead yet again, while Bangor extend their Division 2 lead.

B&D League - Part 2, Week 7 round-up - Read More…

B&D League - Part 2, Week 8 round-up

B&D League - Part 2, Week 8 round-up

The highlight of the week was undoubtedly Tuesday night at Ballynafeigh Community House, when the Division 1 title chase was blown wide open on a remarkable night of chess.

B&D League - Part 2, Week 8 round-up - Read More…

B&D League - Part 2, Week 9 round-up

B&D League - Part 2, Week 9 round-up

Lindores take another chunk out of Fisherwick's lead with a big win over Lagan.

B&D League - Part 2, Week 9 round-up - Read More…

B&D League - Part 2, Week 10 round-up

B&D League - Part 2, Week 10 round-up

Lindores are almost tripped up by an under-strength Ballynafeigh 1 team, and Bangor go even further ahead in Division 2 with a dominant whitewash of Muldoons 2.

B&D League - Part 2, Week 10 round-up - Read More…

B&D League - Part 2, Week 11 round-up

B&D League - Part 2, Week 11 round-up

Fisherwick take advantage of a slip-up by Lindores, and Bangor take another step towards the Division 2 title.

B&D League - Part 2, Week 11 round-up - Read More…

B&D League - Part 2, Week 12 round-up

B&D League - Part 2, Week 12 round-up

Bangor beat NICS to officially seal the John Strawbridge Cup, but the Silver King is still very much up for grabs as Lindores edge out Fisherwick.

B&D League - Part 2, Week 12 round-up - Read More…

B&D League - free week update

B&D League - free week update

Title rivals Fisherwick and Lindores played rescheduled matches on the 28th of April - would this be the night the title was decided?

B&D League - free week update - Read More…

B&D League - Part 2, Week 14 round-up

B&D League - Part 2, Week 14 round-up

Although both titles were already sewn up, there were still other matters at stake in the final round of the 2013-14 season.

B&D League - Part 2, Week 14 round-up - Read More…

UCU Belfast and District League part two

UCU Belfast and District League part two

The League Controller has now notified the team captains about the divisional split.

UCU Belfast and District League part two - Read More…

New League timetable

New League timetable

With the unfortunate withdrawal of Bombardier the league timetable has been amended.

New League timetable - Read More…

Last round Summer Tournament 2013

The last round of the Summer Tournament took place on Weds 18th September. Run by the UCU to provide an opportunity for tournament chess over the Summer when alot of the Chess Clubs Close. This year saw plenty of chess 19 rounds with 192 games and 39 players.

Last round Summer Tournament 2013 - Read More…

Childrens Chess kicked off in November - a warm-up for the Ulster Championships.

Childrens Chess kicked off in November - a warm-up for the Ulster Championships.

The first Childrens chess of the year was held at Methodist College on November 2nd. This starts the group of tournaments that leads to the top players being invited to Award Ceremony in June (previously held at Stormont). Quality Chess played by players from P2 to Upper Sixth. An excellent opportunity to practice for the Ulster Schools Championships in December.

Childrens Chess kicked off in November - a warm-up for the Ulster Championships. - Read More…

ProblemSheets

Problem Sheets from Childrens Chess

ProblemSheets - Read More…

Bangor vs NICS

NICS traipsed down to Groomsport for their final match of the season; missing the strong-man and President as well, the travellers fully expected to get a drubbing at the hands of a Bangor team who left it a bit late to get their act together. Well my-o-my it didn't quite turn out that way.

Bangor vs NICS - Read More…

NICS Lackadaisical

NICS Lackadaisical Rapidplay was over and done in only a few hours. With barely time to draw breath between the 6 rounds, a clear winner emerged in this event though a selection of analogue & digital clocks were on-hand, just in case.

NICS Lackadaisical - Read More…

Fruithill vs NICS

The very first match-up in this season's Division 2 competition; NICS travel to Fruithill. After the first series of games both were more or less tied at the same level though their first encounter in 2013 ended most definitely in Fruithill's favour.

Fruithill vs NICS - Read More…

NICS vs Muldoons

NICS entertained Muldoons on Thursday for their first match up in Division 2. Unusually NICS had the edge ratings-wise but not by much; this one could go any way.

NICS vs Muldoons - Read More…

Belfast South trip themselves up

NICS headed off across the city for the Banker's Club to test the mettle of "Kelly's Heroes". Waiting in the bay-window with chess board at the ready was Ray Devenny with Sam Flanagan, camera in hand. This did not look good at all!

Belfast South trip themselves up - Read More…

Bangor back on form

Bangor back on form

Bangor travelled to NICS on Thursday for their first meeting in Division 2 after the ignominious trouncing they received in the last match of the previous All-Play-All stage of the League competition. From his sick bed, Bangor club captain William McGratten send his team forward to try their best.

Bangor back on form - Read More…

Ballynafeigh Do It Again

Ballynafeigh Division 2 squads both entertained opposition on Tuesday night: Paddy Magee's team took on NICS while the 4th team lead by Dennis Wilkinson setup ready for Belfast South's Kelly's Heroes. Anything could happen in either match.

Ballynafeigh Do It Again - Read More…

NICS vs Fruithill

Back at home and NICS entertained Fruithill for their final meeting in the season; usually two well matched squads as board imbalances even out for the match. First match of the year went 4-0 for Fruithill, a draw in the second match. Could NICS actually nick more than a point on the night?

NICS vs Fruithill - Read More…

NICS Winter Lackadaisical

On the afternoon of Sunday 23rd March, NICS hosted their second lackadaisical rapidplay of the season, the 3rd in their grand prix series. A shortened field this time.

NICS Winter Lackadaisical - Read More…

Cap'n Kelly Disappoints

For the first time, Belfast South travelled out to Dundonald to play NICS at their home venue. Kelly's Heroes arrived in bristling form not quite expecting the topsy-turvey match in store for them.

Cap'n Kelly Disappoints - Read More…

NICS @ Bangor

NICS @ Bangor

NICS travelled to Groomsport for the 2nd match-up against league leaders Bangor. Admittedly Bangor are well clear in the Division but considering the previous meeting at the seasiders, NICS could be in with a chance.

NICS @ Bangor - Read More…

NICS entertain Ballynafeigh

NICS entertained a Ballynafeigh team - the one led by Paddy Magee. NICS had their full team roster out with all 7 boards in play. Past match-ups with Ballynafeigh have seldom been easy with the odd surprise or two.

NICS entertain Ballynafeigh - Read More…

Lavery Grabs Honours

Sundays final NICS Rapidplay was competing with the World Cup and some of the best weather we have had in quite a while. Still, a dozen stalwarts turned out to make Nick Pilkiewicz and Robert Lavery work for their prizes.

Lavery Grabs Honours - Read More…

B&D League: week 1

B&D League: week 1

The first week of this seasons Belfast & District is now complete

B&D League: week 1 - Read More…

B&D League: week 3

B&D League: week 3

3 weeks in and its all to play for with Silver King holders Fisherwick floundering in 6th position. Mind you it will be difficult to predict a final result with one club not playing each week and a bunch of teams at the bottom arguing over the wooden spoon.

B&D League: week 3 - Read More…

2014 Ulster Championships to be held at top Belfast Hotel: The Europa

2014 Ulster Championships to be held at top Belfast Hotel: The Europa

This year sees a guaranteed prize fund totaling ÂŁ1000 and for the eighth successive year the Europa Hotel is hosting the Ulster Chess Union's premier tournament over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

2014 Ulster Championships to be held at top Belfast Hotel: The Europa - Read More…

NICS at Fisherwick

NICS playing at Fisherwick: 04-11-2013

NICS at Fisherwick - Read More…

ChildrensChessJan2014

Childrens Chess Jan 2014 - news and pics

ChildrensChessJan2014 - Read More…

ChildrensChessFeb2014

Pics and article of Childrens Chess Feb2014

ChildrensChessFeb2014 - Read More…

Kasparov's visit to Dublin 2014

Kasparov visits Dublin and spends time in a traditional Irish pub

Kasparov's visit to Dublin 2014 - Read More…

Bangor vs Ballynafeigh 2

Bangor vs Ballynafeigh 2 - 12th December 2013

Bangor vs Ballynafeigh 2 - Read More…

B&D League - Part 2, Week 1 round-up

B&D League - Part 2, Week 1 round-up

The divisional phase of the 2013/14 Belfast and District League gets underway, with the heavyweights slugging it out for the Silver King and three new teams joining the hunt for the John Strawbridge Cup.

B&D League - Part 2, Week 1 round-up - Read More…

B&D League - Part 2, Week 2 round-up

B&D League - Part 2, Week 2 round-up

Lindores gain vital ground on leaders and champions Fisherwick.

B&D League - Part 2, Week 2 round-up - Read More…

"Smart Alex" wins Mulcahy Memorial

Alex Lopez wins the 46th Mulcahy Memorial in Cork; Belfast player, Martin Kelly, pivotal in Lopez successful tournament campaign.

"Smart Alex" wins Mulcahy Memorial - Read More…

Fruithill vs Ballynafeigh 3

Fruithill vs Ballynafeigh 3

Ballynafeigh 3 got themselves into hot water on Monday nights clash against Fruithill; the Ormeau Road novices were conceding an average of almost 500 rating points to their rivals on every board. This did not look good, but after two games a shock result looked in order.

Fruithill vs Ballynafeigh 3 - Read More…

Ulster Schools Individual Championship: Dec 7th.

Play the best and win the title of Ulster Schools Individual champion. Puzzle solving competition and informal coaching - plenty of chess fun

Ulster Schools Individual Championship: Dec 7th. - Read More…

Ulster Masters 2013 at Ballynafeigh

The Ulster Masters is a weekend event taking place on 16th and 17th November 2013. We look forward to seeing you there!

Ulster Masters 2013 at Ballynafeigh - Read More…

Ulster Blitz Championship : December 28th

The third Ulster Blitz. December 28th at Ballynafeigh 12:00 Registration. Time control : 3 and 2. This means that each player will have 3 minutes for all their moves PLUS a 2 second increment for every move made. An exciting game played at an exciting rate....

Ulster Blitz Championship : December 28th - Read More…

Childrens Chess Jan 2014

Start the year with a fun chess competition. Informal coaching , chess puzzles and plenty of chess.

Childrens Chess Jan 2014 - Read More…

Childrens Chess Feb 2014

We invite all young chess players to enjoy an afternoon of fun chess, puzzle solving and informal coaching.

Childrens Chess Feb 2014 - Read More…

Childrens Chess March 2014

Who will be on the leader board for the grand-prix to win a place at the end of year prize giving (usually at Stormont)?

Childrens Chess March 2014 - Read More…

Williamson 2014 - Civil Service Social Club

In its 102nd year. The Williamson Shield - one of the best competitions of the year. Format: 6 rounds. 3 rounds per day. Maynard Sinclair Pavilion, Stormont.

Williamson 2014 - Civil Service Social Club - Read More…

Childrens Chess April 2014

Monthly opportunity to play chess for Primary and Secondary Students. A fun tournament and chess puzzle competition.

Childrens Chess April 2014 - Read More…

Mega-final: The Delancey UK Schools' Chess Challenge 2014

The Mega-final of the Delancey UK Schools’ Chess Challenge will be held on May 17th 2014 at Methodist College, Belfast.

Mega-final: The Delancey UK Schools' Chess Challenge 2014 - Read More…

Ulster Rapidplay Championship 2014

The top Ulster Rapidplay tournament - who's going to be this years Champion?

Ulster Rapidplay Championship 2014 - Read More…

2014 AGM and League Awards

Ulster Chess Union AGM and League Awards ceremony, Tuesday 10th June at Ballynafeigh Community Development Centre, Ormeau Road, Belfast.

2014 AGM and League Awards - Read More…

City of Belfast Championships 2014 ** Cancelled/Moved

This has been moved to June 7/8th. Weekend of 24th-25th May at the Ballynafeigh Chess Club, Ballynafeigh Community House, 283 Ormeau Road, Belfast.

City of Belfast Championships 2014 ** Cancelled/Moved - Read More…

The Eglantine Summer Tournament: Week 2

The UCU Eglantine Summer Tournament is open to all chess players and provides regular competitive chess during the summer months when many chess clubs are closed.

The Eglantine Summer Tournament: Week 2 - Read More…

Navigation
News
Top Young players compete to be Ulster Champion at Methodist College On the stormy morning of 7th December 2024 top young players gathered. Six rounds of chess to get age group Ulster Champ... Dec 08, 2024
This weekend top young players will gather at Methodist College to compete to be an Ulster Champion We have over 40 players. Playing on Saturday 7th December in the annual Ulster Schools Individual Championships 2024. Dec 02, 2024
December 2024 FIDE NI Rating Report By Brendan Jamison November was a massive month for FIDE rated events in Northern Ireland with a total of 7 tournaments... Dec 01, 2024
Qualifiers from the Belfast Mega-finals play in the Giga-finals The Delancey UK Chess Challenge is one of the top tournaments for young chess players. We held our Belfast Mega-finals o... Nov 24, 2024
UK Open Blitz Championships 2024 finals took place on Saturday 16th November at Leamington Spa Our Belfast qualifiers took part in this top UK Blitz championships. Kamil Marchiewicz and Benedict A Keohane played in ... Nov 23, 2024
More news…
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Upcoming Events
FIDE RATED City of Bangor Winter Classic 2024 Round 4 Dec 19, 2024 07:30 PM - 10:00 PM — Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JR, Northern Ireland
FIDE RATED Ulster Blitz Championship 2024 Dec 28, 2024 10:00 AM - 04:30 PM — Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JR, Northern Ireland
FIDE RATED City of Bangor New Year Blitz 2025 [event 5 of 8 in Gold Coast Blitz Grand Prix 2024/2025] January 09, 2025 from 07:30 PM to 10:00 PM Jan 09, 2025 07:30 PM - 10:00 PM — Bangor Chess Club, Church of Ireland Parish Hall, 30 Main Street Groomsport
January 11th 2025 Childrens Chess 12:30 – 5:00 Monthly Chess Tournaments Continues at Methodist College. Jan 11, 2025 12:30 PM - 05:00 PM — Methodist College,1 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 6BY
The Williamson Shield The Williamson Shield at the Maynard Sinclair Pavilion, Stormont Estate Jan 17, 2025 - Jan 19, 2025 — The Maynard Sinclair Pavilion
Upcoming events…