Navan to host international chess tournament this weekend

An international chess event that will welcome young players from across Europe kicks off tomorrow in Navan.

ChessMates is a chess tournament for juniors in the age groups u12 to u20. The team competition that takes place in the Newgrange Hotel from March 3rd to March 5th will host 8 teams from 6 different European countries.

Sandra Woods together with the Desmond Beatty, Chairperson of the ICU (Irish Chess Union) is organising ChessMates“ 2023.

"We have ten players on each team and this year Ireland is the host," she said. "We have delegations from six European countries. We have two German teams, two from France, one from London, one from Rotterdam, the Icelandic team and Ireland."

Sandra says covid played a bit part is making chess popular again.

"During lockdown a lot of people started playing online chess, there are a lot of good online chess sites. Through the Netflix show The Queen's Gambit it became a lot more popular again.

"It's good to see a lot more kids starting to play, there are clubs all over the country.

"Chess is great because it brings kids together, it doesn't matter how old they are, a six year old could play a 12 year old. You learn resilience you lose games, you win games but you have to go and play your next game.

"You have to stick to the rules and be respectful to your opponent.

"It's so nice to get the kids together, they play, they have fun."