During the past year the main focus was on International Selection for junior events. The most notable changes being that selections are based purely on rating and the creation of Junior Eligibility Criteria.
There were a disappointing number of entries at this years Irish Junior Championships. Next years tournament will be held in Munster, mostly likely in Limerick. It is anticipated that as a result of the new Junior Eligibility Criteria there will an increase in participation at the tournament.
Karl McPhillips won the Denis Irwin Junior Player of the Year.
This years Inter-Provincials took place in Gonzaga College with Ulster beating Leinster on tie-break in the U19s. In the U16s Leinster won, with Ulster 2nd followed closely by Connacht in 3rd. Munster were unable to participate.
Ireland is due to host the Glorney/Faber Cups in 2007. It will take place in Dublin City University from July 25th 29th. The current Tri-Nations competition will be re-formatted and will be incorporated into the competition. It is also likely to include teams from England, Czech Rep & Belgium as well as the countries which currently take part.
This years Tri-Nations is taking place in Scotland from 8th 10th September.
Notable performances from juniors this year include Ryan-Rhys Griffiths 2104 rated performance in the First Saturday tournament in Budapest in July, Poornima Menons performance in the Womens Olympiad in Turin, earning her the WFM title. Another excellent performance was achieved with Robert White winning the British U11 Championships in Swansea in August.
I would like to thank Clive Hutchby for developing the new Juniors section of the website, which will provide the basis of promoting chess amongst kids in schools in the coming year.