Wexford Chess exhibition...!?
Gorey Guardian - Tuesday, September 16, 2014 by Maria PEPPER
(corrected by myself)
CHESS players will have a chance to test their skills at an exhibition taking place in the Talbot Hotel on Wednesday, September 24.
2 internationally-rated players will take on 20 challengers at the same time in the 1st. 'Wexford Chess Simultaneous'.
Manuel GARDENES is a former Spanish International Player, Arbiter & Trainer with expertise in Decision Making, Game Theory & Mixed Strategies.
A member of Gorey Chess Club, he had a Max. FIDE rating of 2205.
In his spare time as Trainer with the club, Manuel likes to test his abilities on 'anti-computer' strategies.
Miroslav GALLIK, a member of Wexford Chess Club, was a Jnr. Chess Instructor in the Czech Republic. He has been working in IRL for a number of years and has competed at the top levels of IRL CHESS as an individual and a division 1 team member in the IRL Chess League.
Anyone interested in taking part in the challenge, is advised to book early as places are ltd.
The entry fee is 5 €. Spectators are welcome to go along and watch the action.
The CHESS event will start at 7 p.m.. To book a place, phone Paul on 087 3677009 during daytime hours.
There has been a resurgence of interest in CHESS in County Wexford in recent years, with hundreds of children now encouraged to play the game in school.
Retired Piercestown school Principal Eamonn BARRET and Seamus HALPENNY of Gorey have been instrumental in promoting the game around the county.
Chess clubs operating in Wexford, Gorey, New Ross and Enniscorthy cater for Snr. & Jnr. members. New Ross hosts an annual competition event for schoolgoers.
There has been a huge increase in the number of children playing. Traditionally, it was more popular among boys but a lot of girls are now playing. It is seen as a big help in the development of maths skills, said Wexford Chess Club member Senan O'REILLY who dressed up as a Knight for the lauch of the upcoming chess challenge.
Senan & Miroslav both teach chess to pupils in John's Road School, Wexford. Many other schools also host weekly chess sessions.
