Past Pupils

Past Pupils

Since the chess society was founded, it has seen many great players pass through its doors. Without doubt, some of the faces seen on this page, would be seen around the country at various highly rated tournaments.
Alex Lopez D.J. O' Donoghue Shane O' Farrell John Murray
Joe Higgins David Stynes Patrick English Colm O' Riordan
Nicky Mullins Anthony James Donagh Healy
David McCarthy Ronan Leydon
Alex Lopez

    Alex was the highest rated chess player to enter our school. He had represented our school, at all the major tournaments (Kilkenny, Limerick, Bunratty etc.) and has also represented Ireland at the world chess championships.

D.J. O' Donoghue

    D.J. has been one of the most influential people in our society, and he still doesn't stop even after going on to college. Now our present couch, he travelled with us to Millfield in October, and played a very influential part in our second place finish. By this time next year, he hopes to have a rating in excess of 2000.
    In his time at C.S.N. he helped win the Division 1 trophy, as well as Individual tournaments around Ireland. He was also a key player in helping us to win the All-Ireland U-19 title in 2002.

Shane O' Farrell

    Another player who progressed through his years at C.S.N.. Played on the victorious Division 1 team, and would always be eager to play in any competition. Went to Millfield as Board 3 and won some key games there. You would nearly feel his absence these days.

John Murray

    As much a mentor as a chess player. His strategies alongside Joe Higgins at Millfield no doubt helped the team to victory in 2001. He also played on the winning Division 1 team, which was one of the strongest teams the school ever had. His presence will be sorely missed.

From left: Anthony Malone (Chess Co-ordinator); Shane O' Farrell;
D.J. O' Donoghue; John Murray; Mr. Kennedy (Vice-Principal)
Joe Higgins

    A brilliant player who represented C.S.N. at all levels. His time in C.S.N. led to some famous victories and Division wins. He was without doubt one of the best in this country for his age, and is still as good as ever today.
    He was our couch for 2001-02 in C.S.N. and helped us to our famous win at Millfield. Due to a busy schedule in college, he is unable to coach us anymore (although we still have D.J.).

Joe Higgins receives a momento from C.S.N. for coaching
the students in 2001-02
David Stynes
Without doubt, one of the best chess players in Ireland. Winner of countless competitions, both as an individual and with various teams. His list of achievements is too great to list on this page. His name is very much one to remember for the future.

David Stynes with his Munster Under-19
Championship trophy in 2000.
Patrick English
Patrick was a very skilful chess player who helped to show that C.S.N. chess was back among the best in the country. His contribution to the society helped bring back many honours and cannot be left without a mention.

Patrick English, right, playing in the society (1996)

Colm O' Riordan
He completed one of the best Irish post-primary school chess teams of the late 90's, of which included David Stynes, Joe Higgins and Ricky O' Riordan.

Colm O' Riordan with his Munster Under-15
Championship trophy.
Nicky Mullins
A name that can still be heard in conversation between the Senior students these days. He was as good as David Stynes or D.J. O' Donoghue, and really did show the other Cork schools that C.S.N. were on top. Unfortunately, his name has faded with time, so I mention him here to keep it alive.

Nicky Mullins (left) competing against C.B.C. in 1994
Anthony James
Another key player alongside Nicky Mullins who was key in the development of our Chess Society during the mid 90's. Another player worth mentioning here.

Anthony (right) competing against C.B.C. back in 1994

Donagh Healy
Donagh showed a great talent for chess the day he walked into the school. Before sitting his Junior Cert. he had played in Division 3 and was on the winning Division 2 team back in 2000. He was also on the winning Under-14 team back in 1997. From there, He won prizes at Limerick's "Anyone For Chess" tournament and also helped C.S.N. to finish second at Millfield in 2002. Such achievements require a mention.

Donagh receiving his prize at Limerick
David McCarthy
If there was anyone who put so much effort into making things happen, it was David McCarthy. He organised trips, accommodation, and anything that was in doubt, he cleared up. His talents at chess were strong since his days at St. Josephs primary school, and he rose through the ranks in his time at C.S.N. Competing in events all across Ireland and at Millfield, his knowledge of other teams was vast. He was certainly the best for psychologically outwitting his opponents, the Fisherman's Hat was his personal favourite.
Following the departure of D.J. O' Donoghue, John Murray and Shane O' Farrell in 2001, the Chess Society needed a new student to lead them, and David was the man to do it. Giving other junior students tips and advice on how to play and win, it was no surprise that he was elected to be Captain, and Board 1 on the twelve-man team to Millfield. His advise and encouragement helped us to come from behind to finish second. He had more heart for chess than any other student I came across.

David playing at Limerick's "Anyone For Chess"
Ronan Leydon
Ronan had played chess throughout his six years at C.S.N.. He progressed from Division 4 in First year, up to Division 1 in Fifth and Sixth year. He was runners up in Division 4, 3 and 1. He also came second on the All-Ireland Under-19 team in 2001. However, his greatest achievement was helping his team to win at Millfield in 2001, and receive the "Best Board"award for winning all his games. He had a brilliant team spirit even when things looked bad, and always helped and encouraged others around him.

Ronan (left) competing at the 2002 "Anyone For Chess"

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