SEVEN-year-old Cian Wall from Quin made all the right moves last weekend as he went on to scoop the U-8 Munster title at the Munster Junior Chess Championships in Limerick.
Cian, who plays at the Doora Chess Club, has been playing the intricate game of chess since he was five years of age, when he became intrigued by a chess set given to him by his aunt.
The seven-year-old, who goes to Scoil na Mainistreach in Quin, was keen dto learn and joined the Doora Chess Club soon after. Having competed at U-7 level in the Munster and All-Ireland Chess Championships 2009, he was one move away from securing the Munster title that year but went on to compete and be placed joint fourth at the national event.
This year, Cian along with his family, friends and two coaches was on a high as he claimed the 2010 Munster title. Cian will now compete at the national championships, which this year will be held in Ennis.
Speaking about Cian’s achievement, his dad, Robert said since he was given his first chess set Cian “was intrigued by the pieces, which were interesting looking and it caught his imagination”.
“He is a good study and he was a shy little guy but this gave him great confidence. [It’s] Great to see him get to this level. His two coaches, John Cassidy and Connie Danaher Keane, have been equally instrumental in his achievement and they have been fantastic to him,” Robert added.
Meanwhile, Cian’s coach Connie Danaher Keane said she was very proud of her student, “This is a great achievement for such a young boy, who is a keen chess player. In 2009, he played at the same event and came second so this year to achieve first place was truly deserved. His hard work and dedication has really paid off.”
Cian is to play at the All-Ireland Chess Championships, which take place from April 9 to 11 and this year, it will be hosted by Clare Chess at the Auburn Lodge in Ennis.