Check out today's Chess Congress
Cavan is set to host an exciting chess spectacle today as the third annual Cavan Chess Congress welcomes professional players for the first time.
With over €2,500 in prize money up for grabs, the tournament has seen growing interest each year and promises to be a major highlight in Ireland’s chess calendar.
Tournament organiser Tony McMahon expressed his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the growing popularity of chess in Cavan.
“We’re excited to bring professional-level chess to Cavan and hope to inspire more people to take up the game,” he said.
Ireland’s first chess Grandmaster, Alex Baburin, will headline the event. Originally from Nizhny Novgorod, Baburin moved to Ireland in 1993 and has since been a “transformative” figure in Irish chess. Achieving his Grandmaster title in 1996, Baburin reached a peak ELO rating of 2,600, placing him among the top 100 players globally.
Having represented Ireland on the international stage since 1994, Baburin is also a renowned chess coach, inspiring countless junior players.
Another prominent name in attendance is Grandmaster Oleg Korneev, who began his illustrious chess career in Russia and now represents Spain. He holds a joint first-place finish at the world’s largest Open, held in Capelle-la-Grande, France, in 2004.
Joining him will be Portlaoise siblings Tarun and Trisha Kanyamarala, two of Ireland’s “brightest chess” talents. At just 17, Tarun claimed the Irish Senior Championship in 2022, while his sister Trisha won the Irish Women’s Championship the same year.
With International Master and Women’s International Master titles under their belts, the duo represent the future of Irish chess, with hopes of achieving Grandmaster status in the years ahead.
On Saturday, International Master Mark Quinn will host several events, including talks and a free simultaneous exhibition match from 2-4pm. Spectators are welcome to witness the action in a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. The organisers remind attendees to switch off or silence mobile phones upon entering the playing hall to maintain a focused environment. Whether you are a seasoned player or simply curious about the game, the Cavan Chess Congress promises an unforgettable weekend of strategy and skill.
The event will take place at the Cavan Crystal Hotel on Saturday and Sunday (January 25-26), catering to players of all ages and skill levels.
Registration can be completed in advance via the Irish Chess Union’s website www.icu.ie
Novices and enthusiasts are particularly encouraged to join, with a special kids’ novice tournament scheduled for Sunday from 12 noon to 3pm.
Registration for the children’s event will be available on site from 10:30am on Sunday, with a fee of €10.