Tom Clarke

Bangor Chess Club tribute to Tom Clarke

It was with deep sadness and a profound sense of loss when Bangor Chess Club learned the death of Tom Clarke. For now our first thoughts are with his wife and family and to them we extend our deepest sympathies.

Tom had been ill for some time and, typical of the man, showed great courage in battling his illness. Indeed he remained an active chess player up until last February playing league chess for his newly adopted Averdale, a team from Wales after his move there with his new wife.

As a chess player Tom was a formidable opponent and this was only eclipsed by his kindness and generosity to everyone who new or were fortunate enough to play him. In the few defeats he did suffer at he hands of lesser players Tom was always magnanimous and quick to commend his opponent. In victory he was just the same and would go through games with his opponents patiently trying to show them where they faltered. Indeed analysing a game of chess with Tom was a true joy.

On a domestic level Tom’s skill at the board saw him win three Senior Ulster Chess Championships and multiple local senior titles including the Williamson Shield no less than six times. But it was at international level where Tom’s prowess was rewarded where he played for Ireland in two separate Chess Olympiads in 1988 and 1992 and also in the 1989 European Team Championships. His most famous victory of that time came against the formidable Hungarian Grandmaster Istvan Csom, a player who outranked him in excess 0f 300 elo points. I clearly remember Tom recalling the whole experience to me and how the game lasted for nearly seven hours and ended on the fortieth move with a warm handshake from his great opponent. Both players totally shattered from the effort.

In Tom’s death, Ulster Chess has lost a true stalwart and Bangor Chess Club a true friend and supporter. And so in recognition club secretary Owen Wilson fittingly called for a minute silence to pay tribute to his memory last Thursday evening. Tom’s loss will be felt by all who knew him in Ulster Chess and finding someone just like him again will be hard. As far as Bangor Chess Club goes, Tom will always be remembered with great affection and respect and will never to be forgotten.

News
21 local players make a FIDE debut in the December 2023 rating list December FIDE NI Rating Report by Brendan Jamison Nov 30, 2023
2245 Adrian Gillen headlines Ulster Blitz 2023 Ulster Blitz hosted by Greenisland FC Chess Nov 27, 2023
Divison 2 Results and table We have been unable to give you div 2 results. Michael Devine has emailed them to team captains and here they are. Nov 19, 2023
November 4th Childrens Chess at Methodist College, Belfast The UCU monthly Schools Chess tournaments continued with the Childrens Chess: Hindley-Newman Tournaments. An afternoon o... Nov 19, 2023
Reminder to pay your UCU fees for the 2023/2024 season Nov 03, 2023
More news…
« December 2023 »
December
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31
Upcoming Events
Ulster Schools Individual Championships 2023 Come and challenge to become the Ulster Schools Chess Champion 2023. Dec 02, 2023 09:45 AM - 05:00 PM — Methodist College,1 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 6BY
Omagh Rapidplay Championship 2023 Dec 02, 2023 10:45 AM - 05:30 PM — Christian Brothers Grammar School, Kevlin Rd, Omagh BT78 1LD
FIDE-RATED Groomsport Winter Blitz 2023 Dec 07, 2023 07:30 PM - 10:30 PM — Church of Ireland Parish Hall, Groomsport
FIDE-RATED City of Bangor End of Year Rapid 2023 Dec 21, 2023 07:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Ulster Blitz Championship 2023 FIDE Dec 28, 2023 10:00 AM - 05:05 PM — Greenisland FC Chess
Upcoming events…