A report on the Irish Championship 1997 has been added to the archive here.
The event was the ultimate two-horse race: Stephen Brady and Joe Ryan drew their second-round game, but otherwise mowed down the field, and they were still neck-and-neck with 7½/8 heading into the last round. Stephen Brady had a pawn advantage in a queen plus opposite bishop ending against Anthony Fox, but was unable to turn it into a win, leaving Joe Ryan clear first on 8½/9, for his first Irish championship, with Brady second on 8 and Colm Daly clear third on 7.
We’re fortunate to have all games available. There were many interesting games. Perhaps the most spectacular position was reached in Clarke – O’Connell, round 3:
Clarke – O’Connell, Irish Championship 1997
White to play
White’s 26. f7 some moves earlier created irresistible threats. After Black’s checks ran out, the diagrammed position was reached, with White to play. Gerry O’Connell resigned rather than see the mate in three played out.
Nice win. The position after 25 …. Qa5 appeared in a puzzle on my Ideal Tactics app. White to move and win. In the game, White chose correctly.