The duties of the Membership officer were carried out by Rory Quinn for the busy first half of the season and Shane Lee for the remainder of the season.

The overall trend in membership of the ICU for the past three years is upwards. Season 2010/2011 saw 866 (prior year 804) paid up members of whom 467 paid the standard subscription fee of 35 euro. There was an increase of 22% in members over the age of 65 (from 63 to 77) but an 11% drop in players under the age of 18 (from 171 to 152). As would reflect the general economic climate there was also an increase in ICU members who are unemployed with 19% of our members currently falling into this category (although this figure also include students).

During the year the Committee voted in a new membership category to encourage new young players to join the ICU. This allows a reduced rate of 10 euro which is offered to first time Under 18 year old subscribers.

It should be noted that this season the Munster Chess Union has now joined the Leinster Chess Union in enforcing the rule that all players in their leagues should be members. There is an agreement in place that the newly established Connaught Chess League will follow suit from next season. Such enforcement is of considerable help to the ICU in maintaining membership numbers and thus gaining the revenue it needs to perform its duties.