This article is from page 36 of the 2007-10-30 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 36 JPG
THE dedication of Shannon chess club over the past decade will be rec- ognised by Shannon Town Council next month.
The local authority will present the club’s members with a Liosta na Lao- chra accolade, to honour its efforts in promoting chess among young peo- ple in Shannon.
The council will present a fine chess set to the club, at a function in the town.
The junior chess club in Shannon has become one of the most success- ful junior clubs in the country.
Shannon librarian Carmel Daly has instigated much of the events of the chess club.
“It all began about 10 years ago.
I was seeking a volunteer to coach children to play draughts or chess better. Both games were available for children to play in the library. It took a little while to find a coach, but then Stephen Danaher answered the call,” she said.
“The enthusiasm of children for learning has been fantastic. With confidence they progressed from learning draughts to playing chess competitively. Stephen got the club to compete in the Community Games chess competition every year. Win- ning out regularly in the Clare and Munster competitions, teams from the club have also won the coveted All-Ireland title in 2002 (gold, un- der-12), 2003 (gold, under-12), 2004 (silver, under-16), 2005 (gold, under- 16) and 2006 (gold, under-16),” she
Said. Members of the junior team, Shane O’Connor, Catherine Danaher,
Stephen Hanly and Liam Normoyle have also held individual Champion All-Ireland titles. Many members such as Eanna Ryan, Karl and Olivia Fitzmaurice, Shane O’Connor, Cath- erine Danaher, Stephen Hanly, Liam Normoyle have had the honour of representing their country in tourna- ments abroad even in the prestigious Junior World, and European Chess Tournaments.
“The centuries old game, once a pastime for aristocracy and royalty in courts, has changed to adapt to competitions and society. It provides an opportunity for regular meetings for fun and_ friendships, building concentration, confidence and ca-
maraderie, and their community,” enthused Ms Daly.
“Shannon Town Council has always demonstrated a positive attitude and support of the Shannon Junior Chess Club. In the past it has recognised the achievements of members,’ she said.
“This recognition is most valuable both as a moral support in produc- ing a greater sense of belonging, and acts asa motivator to potential mem- bers ensuring the club’s continuity. It builds on personal development, our community confidence, and leader- ship roles,’ added Ms Daly.
The Shannon Junior Chess Club meets in the Sean Lemass Public Library from November to March every Friday evening from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.