The Galway Community Games Chess team final was held on Sunday in Shearwater Hotel.   As usual, there were 2 sections: U-16 and U-12.   Ballinasloe had won both sections at Galway, Connaught and All-Ireland level for the last 3 years and so were hot favourites to continue this amazing record.

U16 section: This was a straight final between Claregalway and Ballinasloe. 5-0 win for Ballinasloe.

The U-12 section was much more interesting.   Four teams entered. Semi final between Ballinasloe and Claregalway. Match was poised 2-2 with Claregalway player about to win when a stalemate occurred! Ballinasloe won replay 4-1. Other semi final was Clarinbridge 5-0 Craughwell. The final was another tense battle between Ballinasloe and Clarinbridge with the match again level at 2-2 with one board remaining. This time Daniel McMorrow was trailing by a pawn in a Queen/Rook and pawns endgame but in a tense and long game watched closely by about 30 onlookers Daniel turned it around for a win. Craughwell defeated Claregalway 3-2 for third place. All four teams were very evenly matched and any one of the four teams could have won.

So, Ballinasloe retain both titles but their hold on the U-12 title looked very fragile in both matches.   Well done to all and best of luck to Ballinasloe in the Galway finals.