On taking up the position of ICU PRO officer in late 2012 I immediately had my eye set on raising the profile of chess in Ireland in the media and of course making chess "sexy"! There is no doubt that it has been an extraordinary year for Irish chess stories in the media, most of which was achieved outside of my role as Public Relations Officer.
Michael Crowe and Eamon Keogh took to the airwaves on the Mooney radio show in January to publicise the wonderful Chess For All event for children at which over 400 children participated. A beautiful article showing that even a national master of the stature of NM Eamon Keogh can be beaten by an enthusiastic chess adventurer in a simultaneous. Thank you Eamon for bringing chess to life on radio and Michael for organising such a wonderful event for children. I was there myself on the day and it was an extraordinary mix of laughter and tears among our young ones. I urge all chess playing children to register for their 2014 event on their website.
While I can't go through all of Ireland's great chess congresses it is only fitting that the 2013 Bunratty Chess Festival should get a special mention. I was particularly enthused by their enormous event that I thought it only right that I should assist in publicity. Thank goodness I had the sound mind of Gerry Graham to bring my writing down to earth in an article published by chessdom.com. Thank you Veselin Topalov for your majestic presence in stature and charm.
It was fitting that while I handed my role as Women's Officer to Gearóidín Uí Laighleis in October last there was one job I was passionate about concluding in November. It was the first ever Women's Championship since 1982. I was blessed to have the support of many in my endeavour, Gearóidín, Ted Jennings, Gerry Graham, Shane Lee and Kilkenny Chess Club. Our close neighbours Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England were extremely kind in dedicating advertising space to this event, to which I am eternally grateful. I designed the banner for the Irish Championships as a whole (right).
April of course brought Ireland's biggest chess story. It seemed that the story of chess cheating in Ireland and the antics surrounding it were retold in many countries across the globe. Many a casual conversation outside mass or at the pub turned to the story of the day; chess cheating and "Toiletgate"! While there is no doubt that it must have been difficult for the parties involved and I truly wish both parties a positive chess journey ahead and a journey in all things ethical and positive. "You're not the first and you won't be the last"! Enjoy chess lads, we all make mistakes.
Bernt Thee represented the Irish Chess Union in April as no one else could on Joe Duffy on RTE Radio 1. Thank you Bernt for a wonderful Irish Times article. Yes it reached the New York Times too. A very interesting article from the Irish Independent can be found here: Androids killing off our beloved bluffers, sneaky spoofers and pub pontificators.
Checkmat Ireland is a wonderful initiative in Ashbourne, County Meath by David OConnor and Diego Coloma incorporating chess and Ju-Jitsu. I urge anyone who can help in developing this project to do so by contacting me or David O'Connor particularly if you have martial arts skills or interests. More information on Checkmat on Wikipedia.
May had me in turmoil! Can someone explain this: "Smart New Method for Increasing IQ". Surely this makes your blood boil too! Why don't they just play chess. Calm down Úna!
The energies of volunteers across the country is astounding. Frank, Ruth, Maura, John, Gerry, Brendan, Desmond, Dee, Barbara, Michael, and so many more...; on behalf of children in Ireland can I just give you a huge BARRÓG!
I have a strong belief that chess events should migrate from the usual scenario to attract a new audience. I understand that many may not agree but as an elected representative of Public Relations within chess in Ireland I have to follow what I believe. Rumbullion was Ireland's first ever rum festival initiated by chess playing Bodytonic owner . Trevor has a wonderful concept of merging chess with social events. Personally I am very excited by his concepts and his initial event was a chess simultaneous with ICU chairman Jonathan O'Connor in the midst of rum mayhem. Their chess club Pawn Stars operates on a Sunday evening at the Twisted Pepper in Abbey Street, Dublin from around 7pm.
Thanks primarily to the work of Desmond Beatty and Louise Byrne from RTE Radio1, Morning Ireland broadcasted thoughts of our young chess players competing in Wales at the Glorney Cup before their visit to Áras an Uachtarán to visit President Michael D. Higgins.
Diana Mirza in her role as Irish Women's Chess Champion in July was a wonderful ambassador for chess in Ireland in an article written by Chrissie Russel for the Irish Independent.
Data on the clubs listings on the ICU website is constantly being updated and although much work has been done to correct information I ask that all clubs and members make sure that information is correct and updated.
More information is being collected on the wealth of work and information on the internet and in clubs available to junior chess players. You can peruse these sites from Junior Chess.
Gary O'Grady has been developing chess ideas in pubs and cafes across Ireland: Play Chess Here. Gary has also kindly furnished me with tournament chess sets (pieces, board and storage box) available to pubs and café for 25 plus postage (contact ).
A very simple newsletter including the European Chess Union Newsletters is distributed once a month. Please email if you wish to receive this.
Yes, the role of PRO Officer has grown on me. I've certainly grown to understand that the role involves a hell of a lot more than the simple task of the media. I do hope that it can be seen as a position which connects concerns and ideas of Ireland's chess players to conversations within the ICU committee.
Many thanks to our Chairperson Jonathan O'Connor for his relentless support and energy throughout the year. A special thanks to his ears for listening to all my bonkers ideas and not passing judgment. I would like to publically endorse Jonathan as a cherished leader in Irish chess and very much look forward to working with him in the following 12 months should good wit and will prevail!
Original available here.