Is there any basic truth behind the common knowledge that the game of chess helps developing children’s discipline, patience, creativity, mathematical capabilities, precision, concentration and aptitude in making accurate and fast decisions?
Many studies on chess would show exactly that.
In any event, whether the strategic game of chess is an actual education tool or not, the members of the Clonakilty Chess Club enjoy their chess sessions greatly every Monday at the O’Donovan’s hotel from 7:30pm to 10pm (9pm for younger members). The Club started out as a circle of friends with a common interest in chess and was established as the Clonakilty Chess Club in 2015 after catching the attention of local parents who saw it as an excellent and convenient opportunity to introduce their younger ones to this wonderful game, which promotes discipline, competitiveness, and concentration.
The Club currently counts up to ten regulars, half of which are minors, accompanied by their parents. The parents often join in and enjoy the strategic battle on the checkered board. The ultimate goal is to checkmate the opponent’s king. As Robert ‘Bobby’ Fisher (former American world chess champion who fought the Cold War with chess pieces and triumphed over the at-the-time unbeaten Russian champion in 1972) once said “chess is like war on a board”.
Winning or losing, the game of chess is offering healthy and educational entertainment and has provided the younger members of the Clonakilty Chess Club with the chance to successfully compete at the Munster Chess Tournaments in 2019 and 2020 securing first and third place Pranav Prakash (U15, 2019 and 2020 respectively), second place Fionn Fargnoli (U9, 2019), third place Sean Fargnoli (U14, 2020).
If you or your child, or both, want to have a friendly game, join the Club at the O’Donovan’s hotel every Monday from 7.30pm to 10pm (9pm for younger members).
