The first of its kind chess competition ever to be held in Fermanagh took place on Saturday, May 18.

The Enniskillen Rapidplay Championships took place at the Lough Erne Resort and attracted players from all over.

The competition proved to be very popular with locals and visitors alike with seven Enniskillen entrants pitting their chess wits against opponents from Omagh, Donegal, Derry, Hillsborough, Belfast, Downpatrick and Bangor.

The inaugural Enniskillen Rapidplay was officially opened by former Fermanagh and District Council Chairman Howard Thornton who also watched the Round One games closely.

Players ranged in age from eight-year-old Cian Suitor to 81-year-old Dr. John Phillips.

27 players in total took part with 12 in the Senior category and 15 in the Junior category.

At the awards ceremony the tournament organiser extended his gratitude for all the work done in the background to secure the excellent venue, only made possible thanks to the efforts of Tom Johnston, Charles Boyle and John Bradley.

Gareth Annesley from the South Belfast Chess Club was champion on the day with Mark Newman from the Civil Service Chess Club, East Belfast in second place.

Other winners on the day were - Under 1400 Grading Prize: Adam Rushe from Bangor, playing for Strand Chess Club; Junior Champion: Ciaran Rowan from Downpatrick, playing for Strand Chess Club; Junior second Place: Paul Anderson from East Belfast, playing for Ballynafeigh Chess Club; Under 1000 Grading Prize: Anthony White from Omagh Chess Club; Under 900 Grading Prize: Charles Boyle from Enniskillen Chess Club.