The People Behind the Cork Chess Championship Cups' Names
Philip Short
Philip Michael Short (15 May 1960, Cork – 31 August 2018, Co. Galway) was one of Ireland’s most distinguished chess players, emerging as a formidable competitor in Irish chess during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
His record is truly exceptional. Philip won the Irish Chess Championship five times — in 1981 (joint), 1986 (joint), 1988 (clear winner), 2015 (joint), and 2017 (joint) — and also finished joint first in 1982. The 36-year span between his first and last titles remains one of the longest in Irish chess history. He also achieved an International Master (IM) norm in 2017, at the Irish Championship.
He represented Ireland twice at the Chess Olympiads (in 1982 and 1986, played on Board 3) and was awarded by the FIDE Master title in 1990. He participated in the European Chess Club Cup (representing Douglas Chess Club) in 1993 and 1997.
Among his many domestic successes, he won the Munster Individual Championship in 1989, 1991, and 1993, and after moving to Galway, he became Champion of Connacht in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017. He also triumphed in several of Ireland’s most prestigious tournaments, including the Kilkenny Congress (1977, 1979, 1980), Mulcahy Memorial (1984, 1991, 1993), and the Cork Chess Congress (1994).
Philip Short remained active in competitive chess until his final years, passing away just three weeks after playing in the 2018 Irish Championship. Beyond his many achievements, he was deeply respected for his sportsmanship, kindness, and warmth toward fellow players. Philip was deeply embedded in the chess community, not only through his competitive achievements but also as a mentor and friend to many. There are anecdotal mentions that he continued to record his games using descriptive notation long after FIDE officially discontinued it in 1981 — a small but characteristic mark of his individuality and enduring love for the game.
Maurice Coveney
Maurice James Coveney (born 25 July 1939, Cork - 4 September, 2024, Carrigaline) was a dedicated and respected figure in Irish chess, known for his sportsmanship, mentorship, and significant contributions to the game's community.
Maurice's early years were marked by a passion for sports, including cycling and Gaelic games, where he won South East minor hurling and football medals in 1957. He later joined the Irish Air Corps, where he served with distinction. When he stationed in Curragh, he first learned how to play chess. Later, he had a fascinating career as an engineer, travelling and working on project all around the world. He returned in 1976 to Ireland. His diverse interests and experiences enriched his approach to chess and life.
Maurice was an active participant in Irish chess tournaments from the early 1970s, but most notably after his retirement. He competed in several Irish Chess Championships and was a notable presence in the chess community. He like to go to play and watch grandmaster online at the Carrigaline Library. He was also a regular competitor in the Irish Veterans’ Championship (won three times 2001, 2002, 2003), a tournament for players aged 60 and over. Notably, he shared the title in 2001, highlighting his enduring skill and competitiveness.
Beyond his competitive achievements, Maurice was deeply respected for his sportsmanship and kindness. He was known for encouraging new and young players, often offering guidance and support. His presence at tournaments was marked by a friendly demeanor and a willingness to share his knowledge of the game. Maurice's contributions to Irish chess extended beyond the board, as he played a pivotal role in fostering a welcoming and supportive chess community. His legacy continues to inspire players to approach the game with passion, respect, and a spirit of camaraderie.
Joe Browne
Joe Browne was a dedicated Irish chess player and a pivotal figure in the development of youth chess in Cork. He originally introduced the Munster Junior Championship in the 1980s, which was later named in his honour. He served as president of the Cork Chess Club and later became its honorary head. Joe was one of the oldest players to compete in rated tournaments in Ireland, playing at the age of 88. Despite failing eyesight in his later years, he continued to organise and participate in tournaments, demonstrating his extraordinary dedication and commitment to chess.
He was the founder of the original Joe Browne Cup, a tournament aimed at encouraging under-12 schoolboy chess in Cork. This initiative has provided young players with valuable opportunities to develop their skills and gain competitive experience. A legend of Cork chess, Joe devoted decades to the growth of schoolboy chess. He was actively involved in mentoring young players, offering guidance and support to help them improve their game and foster a lifelong love of chess.
Joe also served as Treasurer for the newly formed Munster Chess Union in the 1980s, when the North and South Munster Chess Associations amalgamated.
Kate Finn
Catherine Belinda Finn (born 16 December, 1864 in Cork - 8 March, 1932, London) was the only daughter of Eugene Finn (MD, born in Kanturk) and his wife Belinda McCarthy (originally from Newcastle, Limerick). She learned to play chess from her mother who accompanied her to her tournaments until her death in 1906. The family moved to London, and Kate Finn build up her chess career after her father's death (in the 1890s).
She participated and won several tournaments between 1897 and 1911 she become the first British Women's Chess Champion in 1904 (one of the first events organised by the British Chess Federation), and she defended her title next year. She was a founding member of the Ladies Chess Club. In her later years, her eyesight diminished and her overall health deteriorated. Despite that, she played in team competitions for the Imperial Chess Club in the London League until 1931. Unfortunately, there are little to know about her life. Nonetheless, she was a modern woman, living on her own terms, competing at the highest levels. She dedicated her life to play chess until her death.