A Brief History

During 1975 a group of players came together in Greystones under the guidance of Frank Holohan to start a chess club. Initially they rotated between their respective houses. Subsequent venues included St Killian's Hall, La Touche Hotel where they settled for almost 20 years before moving to Bray.

With Frank initially were men who have since gone their separate ways. They include Michael Ryan, John Fitzpatrick, James Toner and Sam French.

Sam was the most experienced and indeed his photograph taken in 1920 adorned the walls of Dublin Chess Club for many years. In those years he played as an "International for Ireland".

During the many moves other members floated into the club inluding Michael Keeshan, Jimmy Joyce, Hugh Taylor, Alan Horner, Sean Dorgan, Paddy McGarry and many more.

Over the years they shared the tasks on a small but active committee where the posts of president, Secretary and Treasurer rotated each year.

The first match ever played was against Dalkey which, while termed friendly, resulted in a 12-0 defeat. Undeterred the club entered Chess Enterprises and secured promotion.

Further league success was never dramatic but victories and promotions over the years eventually led to the Armstrong cup as we got into our 25th.

The club has now reached new heights. It has a team in all six Leinster League divisions. It is now eligible to represent Ireland in the European Club Championships.

Club Honours

1978/79
- Won the O'Hanlon Cup. ( Division 4 of the Leinster Chess Union Leaugue.)

1995/96
- Won the Heidenfeld Trophy ( Division 2 ).

1997/98
- Won The Branagan Cup and The British Airways Cup ( Division 3 ).

1998/99
- Won the Armstrong Cup ( Division 1 ). This is probably the oldest perpetual chess trophy in the world. This makes us Senior Leinster Chess Champions.

1999
- The Armstrong team won the National Chess Championships of Ireland and we are now eligible to compete in the European Club Championships.

1999/2000
- Successfully held the Armstrong Cup against very determined opposition.

2000
- The Armstrong team won the National Chess Championships of Ireland ( again ) and we are now eligible to compete in the European Club Championships for a second year.