The Munster Junior Chess Championships were held in the University of Limerick over the weekend of 24th - 25th January 2009. There were 5 competitions ranging from the under 8 to the under 16 sections. As there was only one under 18 entrant, he was grouped in with the under 16 players.

Under 8

The under 8 competition attracted 6 players so it turned out to be a round robin (all-play-all) event. It was run in one day and was dominated by the new champion, Finn Morrissey from Adare who scored 5 points from 5 games. You can't really ask for more than that. They all played very well for their tender years.

U8 Champion, Finn Morrissey.

Victoria Fennell, Niall Kelly, Cian Wall, Finn Morrissey, Padraig Hughes and Roisin MacNamee.

Under 10

Crosstbale. The under 10 section was played over the two days, as were all the others, with 12 players battling for the title from all over the province. The more experienced (yes, I did say experienced) of these were Eoin Doyle (Cork), Jeffery Alfred (Adare), as well as Hiram Wood-Hennessey (Kilrush) and Emre Keskin (Limerick) but really, any one of the players could have won this very open event. Both Hiram and Emre competed in last year's Irish Junior Chess Championships in Ballinasloe, in the under 8 section, coming second and third respectively. As it turned out, Emre Keskin won the title this year on 5/6 - see above for crosstable.

Emre Keskin, Limerick, U10 Champion, receives his trophy from event organiser, Peter Doyle.

Under 12

Crosstable. The under 12 section featured a lot of new names, which is always nice to see. The top names were players from outside Munster, playing for the competition but who were in-eligible to win the title. That honour would go to the highest placed Munster player which turned out to be Donal Sheehan from Cork.

Donal Sheehan, Cork, U12 Champion, receives his trophy from event organiser, Peter Doyle.

Under 14

Crosstable. The under 14 section is always one of the strongest and this year was no exception. The top 5 players here have all seen international duty, representing Ireland in Junior International Chess competitions fairly regularly. Pre-tournament favourites, Hugh Doyle and Kieran O' Riordan, both from Cork, were in the running for the title right up to the last few minutes of play but both lost the final games to Ashley Campion and Jason Hurley respectively. This meant that these two players both tied for first place in the event - but, cruel as it may sound, there can be only one champion. On a tie break which is based on the total number of points scored by both players' opponents, Ashley Campion (Killarney) is the new Champion.

Ashley Campion, Killarney, U14 Champion, receives his trophy from event organiser, Peter Doyle.

Under 16

Crosstable. The under 16 section attracted 8 players - it's been my experience that by the time they reach this age, they have so many demands on their time from other activities and sports, it's hard to get the numbers out for this age group. Clear favourites before play were Steven Hanly (Shannon) and Ian Hilgendorff (who was not eligible to win the title but could, of course, win the tournament). In a surprise turn of events, both lost their opening games, to Danny Cashin and Eoin McSweeney respectively. Then Steven had to pull out of the event which was unfortunate but any hope Ian had of winning evaporated in round 3 when he lost again, this time to Killian Long. Kieran Young was not lon in capitalising on this and he went on to win the event by a full point!

Kieran Young, Limerick, U16 Champion, receives his trophy from event organiser, Peter Doyle.

And last, but certainly not least.....

Aidan O'Sullivan, Bruff, U18 Champion, receives his trophy from event organiser, Peter Doyle.

A huge thanks should go to the following: event organisers Peter Doyle with help from Marian Vaughan, the University of Limerick for hosting the event, and to all the participants and their very patient parents, without whom this event would mean nothing.