The Munster Junior Chess Championship were held recently in the Castletroy Park Hotel.  Organised on behalf of the Munster Chess Union's Junior Committee by Peter Doyle, of Cork, with more than a bit of help from John Alfred, the competition was was a great success and well supported with almost 70 players competing for the 5 titles at stake.  I say 5 because the under 18 title had only one official entry, Jennifer Halpin, of Kilfinane, so she automatically wins that title but she actually played in the under 16 event.

Under 8

This was a 4 round Swiss run on Saturday only and was won by Cian Wall (pictured, 4th from the left) with 4/4. Second place was taken by Victoria Fennell from Knockacarra, Co. Clare. Crosstable.

Under 10

This, like all the others, was run over 2 days and was a fiercely contested event.  It was won on 6/6 by Jeffery Alfred, from Adare but he was helped by being a bit lucky in some of his games, however, overall, he deserved to win the event.  The standard in this event is definitely rising, a good sign for the future.  Second place was won by Dianna Mirza ( Limerick ) and Padraig Hughes ( Athy ) while third was Hiram Wood-Hennessey from Kilrush.  The best girl prize was won by Jessica Mulqueen-Danaher from Shannon. Crosstable.

Under 12

The under 12 was another tight contest in which the rated players rose to the top at the end and we had a first in my experience, first and second place taken by brothers, Geoffery and Thomas Keating from Crecora.  Third place was taken by Eoin Doyle from Cork while the best girl prize was taken by Aine Maloney from Kilimer. Crosstable.

Under 14

The under 14 was also keenly fought and the title was won by Liam Murphy from Adare while James Danaher from Shannon was second.  Third was jointly won by Richard Flynn ( Limerick ) and Ciam Lenihan ( Shannon ) while the best girl prize was won by Eimear Weeks of Kilfinane. Crosstable.

Under 16

The under 16, unlike the other events, had a clear favourite before start of play, Hugh Doyle from Cork.  At 1830, his rating was over 300 points higher than the second seed, Ashley Campion from Killarney.  He justified his seeding by taking the title on 5/5, Ashley coming second on 4/5.  Third was shared by Daniel Cashin ( Cork ) and Karl Fitzmaurice ( Shannon ) while the best girl prize was won by Niamh Weeks. Crosstable.

More pictures

Cian Wall (U8) with Peter Doyle (left) and Connie Danaher-Keane (right).