The inaugural Mick Germaine Cup competition for teams of junior players took place recently in the Teacher's Club in Dublin. 12 teams competed for the trophy over 5 rounds of matches with one of the Rathmines Chess Club's teams, the "Rathminors" emerging victorious finishing 4.5 points ahead of nearest Challengers the "Checkmates" from the Blanchardstown Juniors club. Elm Mount finished in 3rd position on tie break from Portmarnock and a second team from Rathmines. Teams from Manorhamilton and Longford also took part in the competition as well as other Dublin based teams. Mick Germaine, former tournament controller for the LCU was on hand to present the prizes. Pictured from left are the the winning team Oscar Twomey, Scott Mulligan, Mick Germaine, Alex Mulligan and Fiachra Scallan.

The Branagan Cup and William Brennan Memorial Cup finals also took place at the same venue with Elm Mount winning the Branagan Cup for the first time with a comprehensive 5½-½ win over Dublin rivals Gonzaga. The Elm Mount Branagan Cup player panel is pictured with Mick Germaine who presented the prizes on behalf of the LCU.

Bray/Greystones defeated Drogheda by 4-2 to claim the William Brennan Memorial Trophy. Five members of the victorious Bray/Greystones team are also pictured with Mick Germaine. The club has a chance to achieve a double next week when they take on Naomh Barrog in the Killane Shield Cup final.