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Irish Independent
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
International Master takes home grand prize from Wexford chess tournament
International Master Tarun Kanyamarala came in joint 1st with Master Jacob Flynn. Meanwhile, Arthur Moull came in 3rd place and Anastasiya Kelbas was Best Woman. With a grand total of €1,000 prize fund; the first place winners took home €300 each, while third place and Best Woman were awarded €100. Speaking after the tournament, Tournament Director and founding member of Gorey Chess Club, Mel Ó Cinnéide said, "An international master was in the top seat so he would be one of the top players in the country and it went right down to participants who had never played in a tournament. "We were delighted with the turnout because it was our first time. It was a fabulous event and all of the comments on it were hugely positive.' Using the Swiss Pairing System, there were seven rounds during the tournament. The first round was randomly drawn based on the players' ratings and then in subsequent rounds, players with similar scores were paired together. The location of the tournament was key as it was held at the Loch Garman Arms, right at the heart of Gorey town. 'There were crowds hanging around between rounds, having a chat. It had a good impact on Gorey that way. A lot of people, even the guy who won it had not been in Gorey before and he was saying what a nice town it was,' said Mel. This was the first time Gorey Chess Club held this event but after the success this year, they hope to make it an annual tournament. One of the many perks to the game of chess, is that it's inclusive of all ages. As a result, the tournament saw people under the age of 10 compete, all the way up to people in their 70s. 'It's a great game for kids to develop their concentration and thinking. Doing maths and stuff can be boring but if kids like playing chess, they can really learn to concentrate and focus. "Everybody was commenting on this little girl at the tournament who was totally involved in thought and focused on the tournament. There are great benefits for everyone really, even older people to keep their minds sharp,' said Mel. Mel also mentioned one of Gorey Chess Club's founding member Seamus Halpenny who could not attend the tournament due to illness, and they wished him speedy recovery. The Loch Garman Arms were the main sponsor of the tournament, followed by Wexford Bus and Supervalu.
Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Wexford Bus to offer free services during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025
The renowned local operator will be journeys free of charge on the Wexford Bus Connect Town Services (Routes WX1 and WX2) for the duration of the Fleadh and will also be extending their timetables to offer extra night time services to Fleadh-goers making the most of the festival. For Managing Director of Wexford Bus Brendan Crowley, it was about pulling on the purple and gold jersey and helping to ensure that this year's Fleadh builds on last year's success. 'As a proud Wexford company we are thrilled to welcome Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann back to Wexford for another year,' he said. "We are excited to be bringing visitors to our beautiful town and county for this incredible event and are confident that the people of Wexford will once again extend a warm welcome. We're delighted that the Fleadh is committed to encouraging visitors to use public transport to travel to and within Wexford and, in support of this, we are inviting visitors and locals to travel on our services within Wexford town free of charge.' Mr Crowley says that last year the company carried a record number of passengers to Wexford for the Fleadh from Dublin, Gorey, Enniscorthy, Waterford and Carlow and they're hopeful that this year will see just as many visitors. 'By booking in advance passengers were guaranteed a seat at the time they wished to travel, and we could plan our services and add additional resources when required,' he said. 'We encourage all intending passengers to book in advance again this year.' Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe was delighted to have Wexford Bus on board once again. 'Having Wexford Bus as the Official Travel Partner of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was a great success last year so we are very happy to have them on board again this year,' he said. 'Wexford Bus operates an extensive network of bus services within the county so naturally they are a key part of helping us to bring visitors to the Fleadh. We are delighted that they are offering free travel to all passengers on the Wexford Bus Local Town Services (Route WX1 and WX2) during the Fleadh and hope it will encourage people to leave their cars at home. "This is another example of the warm Wexford welcome that is being extended to visitors, and I would like to thank Wexford Bus for their generous contribution.' ADVERTISEMENT Where possible, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann encourages visitors to travel to Wexford by public transport and consider walking, cycling and using the local buses while in the town. Travel emissions contribute to the Fleadh's carbon footprint, if travelling by public transport is not an option, visitors are asked to car share. For more information please visit and
