My CHESS profile in IRL...

Meet Manuel Gardenes, a Catalan native, who is Gorey Chess Club's not-so-secret weapon! Manuel moved to Ireland six years ago when he was asked to represent Ireland in a chess team championship, then moved to Gorey when they found dog-friendly accommodation!

Manuel is no ordinary chess player – he has an impressive international rating of 2205 from FIDE, the World Chess Federation.

When he trained the Rathmines Chess Club, it went on to win the Armstrong Cup, becoming the Irish club champions. In Gorey, the club has been promoted to Division 4 under Manuel’s tutelage – the club meets every Monday night in the Loch gCarman Arms @ 7.30pm where free training is available.