The Irish Chess Union Committee met on only three occasions this year although there was considerable contact between the members regarding all decisions taken.
I would like to personally thank Michael Crowe for his work as Hon. Treasurer and for the management of the Irish Championship. It was greatly appreciated.
Nicola Benson was very effective as Womens Officer and clearly represented their views in committee.
Pat Fitzsimons and John McKenna effectively handled the Glorney and Faber Cups whilst also managing Junior Chess affairs.
Alan McDonagh has tendered his resignation as Hon. Secretary and I would like to thank him for the work he carried out.
Bernard Palmer was effective in his role and contributed to discussions regarding the onward development of the game.
Our Membership Officer, Rory Quinn, worked very hard over the year and his liaison with the Rating Officer (Mark Orr) and the Finance Officer (Michael Crowe) was diligent and timely.
Gerry Graham ran the revised format of the National Club Championship and was invaluable in his contribution as Tournament Director. The Committee empowered him to use up to 1,000 at his own discretion to fund individual chess entries and travel costs to international events.
I would like to thank our member Ray Kilbride who drew our attention to inappropriate content reachable from the ICU website. The problem was caused by a domain squatter who required a fee to give up control of the offending site. It has been resolved.
Mark Orr also managed the Ratings System and our thanks are due to him also.
This year marks the final year of sponsorship of the National Championship by Island Oil & Gas. We are very grateful to them for their support over the years.
In 2010 a new sponsor will be required or a changed format for the Championship will have to be adopted. You will notice that his matter is on the agenda for the meeting.
This year marks the final year of the Check Mate Schools Programme being run by Michael Crowe and Maurice Buckley. I am happy to say that John Alfred has taken up the role and he will continue with the competition in the future. We should consider some financial support towards doing this work and I will commend this to the incoming committee.
You will note that the Committee spend more than 4,100 for Training Services this year. The incoming committee will pre-approve any spend for 2010 at its second committee meeting so anybody wishing to organise formal chess training for any class of player should contact the incoming Hon. Secretary as soon as possible.
We also spent more than 5,000 supporting the Irish Championship and weekend tournaments this year. In the context of the current Recession funding for weekend tournaments may have to take a backseat to any decision made in relation to the Irish Championship. The practice in the last year was to fund Bunratty and Kilkenny at 500 each and any other approved tournament at 300. I would urge organisers of all tournaments to attempt self-financing so that the drain on resources can be minimised.
Your Committee has drawn up an active programme to secure proper funding for Junior Chess in the future. It is premature to make any announcement at this stage but the annual fee of 7,000 plus increased financial needs every fourth year when we host the event must be finalised as soon as possible.
In my Chairmanship I have tried to avoid any involvement in the day to day interaction with chess clubs or players and have looked to the Union to address the structure and needs of the development of chess in the future. The regional organisations can handle these playing matters and should only refer to the Irish Chess Union in the event of serious difficulties.
Finally, this has been a difficult year for me personally with health and economic issues dominating. Happily the situation is heading towards resolution.
I would like to thank you all for attending and look forward to a successful chess year in 2010.