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The ICJ RIP? 4/4/03

Much to my surprise I received in the post last week a copy of the Irish Chess Journal. The reason I say I was surprised was it has been so long since I had received a copy of this publication. The ICJ for those that don't know is the bi-monthly publication of the Irish Chess Union. Opening up this magazine once again reminded of all the reasons I have felt for many years that the ICJ is a sad dinosaur that really should be retired gracefully.

The first problem is the actual quality of the material itself. This current issue is a case in point. All it really contains are 2 things, a rating list and a report on the Olympiad. Now while both of these are worthy items in concept at least, the Olympiad report is merely a copy and paste of Gerry Graham's Olympiad Diary which first appeared on his website. No attempt has been made to update this item, which was obviously written as events unfolded. At the very least you would expect the editor to have done this. The rating list while obviously important is available online and has been for some months now.

The second big problem is the ICJ is it is so out of date. The current issue advertises Bunratty an event that was finished before I received the issue. Also the above-mentioned Olympiad took place in Oct/Nov hardly having the finger on the pulse!

Over the years I have attended ICU meetings calling for the magazine to be either scrapped or revised. In fact I seem to recall it's demise was agreed some years back yet I seem to be still paying for it out of my annual subs.

The obvious question that arises is what do we do in its place? Well my suggestion is 2-fold. Firstly we have a number of excellent websites that report on the current state of Irish chess. Many of these sites are updated weekly or even more frequently. Now while not everyone has access to the Internet each club only requires one member to have net access and a printer. Efforts should be focused on these sites. Secondly I suggest the ICU product an annual report after the Irish championship. This report should contain final tables and reports for all Irish chess events as well as details of the ICU itself.

Kieran English

copyright Phibsboro Chess Club 2003 all comments and opinions expressed represent the views of the contributors and not necessarily those of the club.