29th January saw Trinity Comprehensive in Ballymun host the annual JCSP Library Team Chess Tournament once again. Eight schools battled across Dublin traffic and the M50 for the chance to compete in both the Swiss-paired event, and the uniquely JCSP “Chess Bingo”.
The participating schools were: Clogher Road Community College, Kylemore College, Presentation Secondary School Warrenmount, Ellenfield Community College, Trinity Comprehensive, Beaufort College, St. Killian’s Community School and Killinarden Community School.
This year the organization of the chess side of things was greatly improved by two new features: 1) the use of SwissOnlineTournament.com which allowed multiple people to update scores as games were won, reducing downtime between rounds and 2) the assistance of Transition Year students from Beaufort College. All of this meant that I could concentrate on the actual games, although I have to say, the standard of play was very high, and the players were all very respectful of their opponents and no arbitrations were required throughout the entire tournament.
On the logistical side of things, once again Teresa and the Trinity Comprehensive Chess Club did a marvelous job of setting up their library for the event and looking after everyone with snacks, drinks and pizza. Hosting an event of this size is 90% of the work, and we could not have done it without Teresa and her crew. Thank you so much! I also want to thank the JCSP team of Elaine, Dorota and Kathleen for providing official certificates, photographs and support throughout the event.
Individual Champions
Ethan – Killinarden C.S. Tallaght, Dublin with JCSP Librarian Linda Kerr
Edwin – St. Kilian’s C.S. Bray with JCSP Librarian Chris Stokes
Helena – Beaufort College, Navan with teacher Cathal Sheridan
Back to the tournament: After five hard-fought rounds, Helena from Beaufort College took third place, Edwin from St. Killian’s took second place, and Ethan from Killinarden took first place after winning all five of his matches. I was personally very pleased to see Ethan win this year, as while he narrowly missed out on a trophy last year, he impressed me with his intentional play and unfailing deference to his opponents. He and his sole teammate Adam played so well between them that Killinarden came second over all despite having only two representatives.
Team Champions
Our wonderful hosts Trinity Comprehensive took third place with Matvey narrowly missing a personal prize with four wins. Likewise Kayden from Warrenmount helped secure his team to fourth place with another strong record.
However it was St. Killian’s who took the perpetual trophy home with them this year, with very impressive win rates from all their players: Edwin with four, and Rokas, Christo and Jeswin all with three. Congratulations on a well deserved win!
See ye all again next January 😉
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