IM Mark Quinn has written a moving tribute to his friend and team mate, Gavin Wall.
Diana Mirza and Jonathan O'Connor will be doing live commentary each day from 4pm-7pm. Come join them at https://twitch.tv/dianamirza
2025-26 registration is now open.
While noting that subscription rates have remained unchanged for over 16 years, the Executive Committee has again agreed to postpone any increase in subscription rates until at least next season. 2024-25 Subscriptions can still be made until 31/8 for those wishing to do so.
We’ve learned of the sad news of IM Gavin Wall's passing. Our condolences to his family and friends. Tribute from Mike Healey below. May he rest in peace.
Standard entry is open for events in the Irish Championships for those who enter by the dates below. After that late fees of €10 to €20 are added, depending on the event.
| Enter by | Starts | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Wed 30 July | Sat 2 Aug | Main event |
| Wed 30 July | Fri 1 Aug | Junior Rapid (U20 and U12) |
| Wed 30 July | Fri 1 Aug | First Weekender (Intermediate, Major and Challengers) |
| Fri 1 Aug | Sat 2 Aug | Open Rapid |
| Sat 2 Aug | Mon 4 Aug | Weekday Open |
| Wed 6 Aug | Fri 8 Aug | Junior Blitz (U20 and U12) |
| Wed 6 Aug | Fri 8 Aug | Open Weekender, 35+, 50+, 65+ |
| Fri 8 Aug | Sat 9 Aug | Open Blitz |
All details of this veritable festival of chess are in the links. Enter there too. Details of accommodation are below. Pairings will be published early the day after standard entry for each event ends.
Jonathan O'Connor requests that players in the main event send a photo of themselves to him at to be used in social media to promote interest. Jonathan and Diana Mirza will be broadcasting daily during the events.
Online entries for the Eanna Summer Freestyle Rapid Tournament close tonight, cash entries accepted on the day. €15 per player added to the prize pool.
The ICU wishes all Members, families and friends in chess best wishes for International Chess Day.
International chess day events:
The Irish Championships, 1-10 Aug 2025 in Ennis, includes 8 events listed below, with all details in the links.
The West County Hotel are offering special rates: single €119, double €150, two adults and one child €170, two adults and two children €189, two adults and three children €209. All rates are per night including breakfast. For even greater discounts for more than one night please ring the hotel and ask for Helena. There is also a single room available in Newpark House for €700 for the week.
Main event, Junior Rapid (U20 and U12), Rapid Open, First Weekender (Intermediate, Major and Challengers), Weekday Open, Junior Blitz (U20 and U12), Blitz Open, Open Weekender, 35+, 50+, 65+.
