560 Primary School children playing in the 5th Brian Collum Memorial tournament today in Newtownforbes Co.Longford.

The fifth Brian Collum Memorial Chess Tournament took place on Friday 9th of March with 560 primary school children from counties Longford,Leitrim,Roscommon,Cavan,Westmeath and Galway taking part.The purpose of the tournament is to get children playing chess and remember Brian.

This year we had to turn away several late entries on health and safety grounds so it’s safe to say the tournament is achieving its dual objectives.Its the hope of the organisers that the chess sets can be donated annually to refugees abroad (subject to transport logistics and cost) which would give vulnerable children access to boards and pieces.Two thousand eight hundred games were played(2,800) in a wonderful spirit with hands shook before and after.That the children were so well behaved is a credit to them,their parents and schools.

The overall winning team of 4 was Mullahoran from Co Cavan who took home the Brian Collum Perpetual Cup,Manorhamilton Co Leitrim placed second and retained their Co Leitrim Cup,Killeen took home the Co Longford Cup,and Granlahan got the Co Roscommon Cup.All participants received an engraved medal with plaques for the first three teams.

The organisers wish to thank the following;Newtownforbes GAA sports complex for the use of their hall,St Mel’s college,Longford bridge club,Longford ICA,Longford rugby club,Drumlish and Ballinamuck community centre’s for the loan of tables and chairs,the staff of McCarrick Bros and Peter and Pat Collum who transported them to and from the venue,the volunteers who set up the hall,took it down again and took a day off work/college,Largo foods for their prize of a day trip to Tayto Park won by Ardagh school,McCarrick Bros Longford for their sponsorship and finally sisters Yvonne Breslin and Bernie Collum who between them can move mountains.