Oisín Benson won the 2008 St Benildus blitz competition, beating off 43 other contenders in a tournament which raised almost €2,000 for the Simon Community and the Samaritans, including a hugely generous €1,000 donation from a source asking to remain anonymous. A separate box was made available on the night for anyone wishing to donate to Jobstown Chess Club in memory of the late Phillip Hogarty, and a cheque for €150 is on its way there.

Home club players were joined by many players from other clubs, including most of the Wicklow Ennis team currently locked in a pulsating battle with Benildus for promotion to the Heidenfeld. Remarkably though, it was eight Benildus players who made it through to the knock out stages after some thrilling games - Stephen Cunningham twice drew after both players' flags fell, while Kevin Burke checkmated Paul Beirne with one second left on his clock in the quarters - and Ireland under-age rivals Sam Osborne and Oisín Benson fought their way through to the final. Sam, with the white pieces and only three minutes against Oisín's seven, appeared to have weathered a strong attack from Oisín until he nabbed a pawn with his queen, completely forgetting that the queen was stopping mate in one where it was! It was Benildus' first win in the event since it was made open to players from all clubs.

Thanks to all who brought spot prizes, to Frank Scott and Gerry O'Connell for running the evening, to Maura Osborne for providing refreshments and, of course, to everyone who turned up, had a bit of fun and donated to a worthy cause. Here's to 2009!

1. Oisín Benson
2. Sam Osborne
3. Ger Reilly
4. Kevin Burke
5-8. Kevin May, Paul Beirne, Tim McCarthy, Gerry O'Connell