The 2009 Mulcahy cup brought some tough opponents ready to do battle at UCC in Cork. Over 50 players supported this open draw tournament. Defending champion and top seed Alex Lopez FM was joined by ICU Chairman Eamon Keogh NM and Kieran Moynihan. However, the toughest opponent over the weekend was Mother Nature who forced the evacuation and closure of the entire campus during round 3!! Severe storm weather was blowing down trees, removing slates and panes of glass so we had to up boards and clocks and head to the home of Cork chess club. I deny all knowledge that this was an elaborate, if creative, plot to help me during my struggle in round 3. (Reminder to scribe..voodoo subscription over due.)
Sunday brought two draws for Alex Lopez and other results meant that there was a 3-way tie for 1st on 5/6. Alex Lopez FM won the cup with a tie break blitz play off from Kieran Moynihan.
Young Kieran O Riordain showed good form with an excellent 4½/6 as he continues to leap up the ranks, deservedly winning a grading prize for the U1550 rated players.
Having taken up chess only a few years ago, it shows how one may have improved when the David v Goliath prize is handed out, except I was Goliath on this occasion! It answered my own question of "Should you expect to play at your own level while running a tournament?" ... er, No!
Thanks to Peter Doyle and D.J. O Donoghue as part of running the tournament. Next tournament in Cork is the Cork Congress (27-29th March) and I hope you see you all there.
Results:
- Joint 1st: Alex Lopex FM, Kieran Moynihan, Eamonn Keogh NM
- Grading prizes: Tom Hickey (U1200), Kieran O Riordain (U1550) Piotr Leichert (U1900)
- David v. Goliath: Patrick O Mahony
- Best Rating performance: Barry Foran
Pictures, cross tables etc. will be on the Cork Chess website this week. If games are received back in PGN we will make them available.