Category Archives: Photos

Philip Short 1960-2018

Posted on September 2, 2018 by Sean Coffey

Philip Short, August 2018 I’m reeling, as is anyone remotely linked with Irish chess, at the sudden and unexpected loss of Philip Short. He was Irish champion five times—1981 (joint), 1986 (j.), 1988, 2015 (j.), and 2017 (j.)—and finished joint … Continue reading →

Posted in Irish champions, Photos, Players | 4 Comments

Ballyfermot Open 1995

Posted on February 7, 2016 by Sean Coffey

Last year we had a photo from the Ballyfermot Open 1994, taken by Ray Woodhouse. He has now sent a set of newly discovered photos from the Ballyfermot Congress in 1995. It’s in the form of an A4 sheet with … Continue reading →

Posted in Ballyfermot Congresses, Photos, Tournaments | 1 Comment

More on John Moles

Posted on January 14, 2016 by Sean Coffey

A long, detailed, and very interesting obituary of John Moles appeared in the December issue of Histos, an online academic journal co-founded by him, written by a close and long-time academic colleague who knew him over decades. I never met … Continue reading →

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John Moles 1949-2015

Posted on January 12, 2016 by Sean Coffey

I was very sorry to hear of the sudden death of John Moles, one of the most talented players Ireland has ever produced, on October 4. He was twice Irish champion and played in two Olympiads, and wrote an outstanding … Continue reading →

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Ballyfermot Open 1994, contd.

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Sean Coffey

On Ray Woodhouse’s photo of the Ballyfermot Open 1994, we’re a little further along but matters are still not entirely clear. David McAlister convincingly demonstrated that it was the 1994 event, the position on the top board identifying it as … Continue reading →

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Ballyfermot Open, circa 1994

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Sean Coffey

Mnay thanks to Ray Woodhouse for this photo of the Ballyfermot Open, played in the Mansion House, which from memory he says is from around 1994. (Click here for the full size version.) Alexander Baburin is at right, and Jonathan … Continue reading →

Posted in Photos | 2 Comments

Walsh-Botvinnik, Munich 1958

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Sean Coffey

It’s a rare honour for any amateur player to play a reigning world champion. How many Irish players can claim this distinction? The number must be very small. One player who can is J. J. Walsh. And here is the … Continue reading →

Posted in Games, Photos | 5 Comments

B. E. A. Cup 1975-76

Posted on August 21, 2014 by Sean Coffey

The Elm Mount team that won the B. E. A. Cup in 1975-76, with trophy: This is from a Facebook post by one of the players, for which thanks. How many of the players can you identify? You might like … Continue reading →

Posted in B. E. A. Cup, Photos | 2 Comments

Branagan Cup final 2014: Elm Mount 3½ – 2½ Gonzaga

Posted on July 22, 2014 by Sean Coffey

Congratulations to Elm Mount (and commiserations to Gonzaga) on winning the Branagan Cup for the fourth year in succession (and the fourth year in all). From Gerry MacElligott’s Facebook page (and with permission, for which thanks) we have a picture … Continue reading →

Posted in Branagan Cups, Photos, Tournaments | 1 Comment

Who (and what and when): a partial solution

Posted on May 18, 2014 by Sean Coffey

On the puzzle of Oliver Dunne’s picure, my guesses weren’t too bad but still fell short. Looking at the formal attire, it’s clear this is no recent event, or an event from my own playing days. The players all seemed … Continue reading →

Posted in Photos, Puzzles | 1 Comment