In November 2012 at the Kilkenny Congress Úna Ó Boyle organised the first Irish Women's Chess Championship since 1982. Karina Kruk, who had played her first Olympiad in September was crowned 2012 Irish Women's Chess Champion and many thanks are due to Shane Lee, Gerry Graham and Kilkenny Chess Club. The 2013 Irish Womens Championship took place in Limerick in July. The Championship was well organised by Kevin O Flaherty and Rory Delaney. Diana Mirza won the title of Irish Womens Champion. Diana had a fantastic year. Diana is U13 European Union Girls Champion coming overall third in the competition. She came second in the Open weekender during the 2013 Irish Championships and came 3rd in the Galway Rapid, beating much older and much more experienced players. The committee voted to select Olympiad team 6 months ahead of Olympiad and to allocate funding for coaching of Womens squad. It is envisaged that the coaching will start in September. The ICU will appoint team Captain for the Women in October. This will help in building and preparing a good squad.
Regular contact is made with the women via Facebook discussion page, a group for Irish chess women only. Congratulations to Eibhia Ní Mhuireagáin who came first in the Connaught U16 championship recently. If any women chess player wishes to be included on the mailing list for Women's Chess in Ireland please send your email address to . Many thanks to Jonathon and the executive.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh.