Munster Chess Union
CHAIRMAN'S ADDRESS
The Chairman reported that it had been a mixed year for the MCU.
The new knockout competition had failed. However the Munster Championship had been run successfully in September 2015. In addition the inaugural Joe Browne Cup for players rated under 1500 had been run very successfully. It was particularly nice to have Joe Browne himself present the prizes.
The Munster Junior Championships will be run alongside the Munster Championship and Joe Browne Cup next September.
One idea is the introduction of an Order of Merit award which would be awarded to the best performance across a number of Munster tournaments. It is also hoped to hold a new Tralee Congress over the weekend of 12th November.
Finally Alan regretted that so much MCU and ICU time was being wasted on the same old politics and disciplinary issues rather than promoting chess for the benefit of members.
SECRETARY'S REPORT
The Secretarys report outlined the follow up actions with the ICU about the removal of the MCU rep as proposed at the 2015 AGM. It also recorded attempts to avoid duplication of the Munster Junior Championship resulting from the split in the MJCC. Disciplinary proceedings against Gabriel Mirza and Sean Phillips in relation to the MJCC were also recorded.
TREASURER'S REPORT
In the absence of Simon Lawrence, the Chairman introduced the Treasurer's Report.
Expenditue for the year at €3,466 exceeded income of €3,320 by €146. This includes a cost of €510 for running the Munster Championship and Joe Browne Trophy. The predicted closing bank balance is €2,443.
No fee changes are proposed for the coming year.
The Treasurer's Report was adopted on the proposal of Andrew Ingram, seconded by Gerry Graham.
LEAGUE CONTROLLER'S REPORT
In the absence of Frank Noonan, the Secretary gave a brief summary.
The Munster Championship was reintroduced as a stand alone event. Paul Walsh was the worthy winner on a score of 4.5 out of 5. Diarmuid Reidy won the Joe Browne Cup scoring 5.5 out of 6.
Cork A won Division 1 of the leagues for the second year, leading the way all season. Cork B won Division 2 coming from behind to pip Charleville in the final round.