The Chairman of the Irish Draughts Association, Joe McGuire issued
the following letter regarding the Irish Open 2014.
2014 Irish Open Draughts
Championship.
The I.D.A. would like to welcome our friends from Ireland and
abroad to this unique event, which will be held in the centre of
Dublin City. The venue is the Beresford Hotel in Store Street and
Beresford Place, and is a three star hotel.(018134700)
(0035318134700). The date is 25/26/27. October 2014.
The hotel is situated opposite the Central Bus Station –
Busaras.
The main train station -
Connolly
(serving trains from the North) is just a short walk away from the
hotel, or one stop away on the
Luas tram
(Connolly stop to Busaras stop).
From Heuston
station (serving trains from the South), just hop on to the Luas, to
the central bus station (Busaras) which is opposite the Hotel. So no
matter where you are coming from it could not be more convenient.
People coming from the airport can take the public bus No 747 to
Busaras.
The cost of a double room is just 70 euro per night, a single is
also the same price, and includes breakfast. Every room is ensuite,
telly, tea coffee, etc.
However, the committee must point out the importance of booking your
room as soon as possible as we have made a good deal with them.
Normally it is 100 euro per night, so in fairness to them and us it
is important to measure the level of bookings. This is also the
holiday weekend and accommodation will be heavily booked, so don’t
be disappointed and make your booking now.
Parking in town is not cheap, there is however a concession when
staying at the hotel - 24 hour parking for 12 euro, ticket has to be
validated at the hotel reception.
In addition to our main event there will be a children’s event on
the Sunday which will be held in the Beresford Suite and we look
forward to the children and parents participating in this event in a
nice Georgian building which is a corridor away from Anna Livia room
where the main event will be held.
This Hotel is in one of the most historical places in Dublin, The
1916 rising started at Liberty Hall just across the road, the custom
house near there, is also a lovely building. Just five minutes away
is O’Connell Street the main shopping centre in Dublin.
Part of the Hotel comprises of two huge late Georgian houses (1810)
one of which was the residence of The Earl of Beresford. This
building still retains some of its original interiors, it is a
preserved building and the children’s competition will be held here.
The history of draughts in Dublin goes back to Victorian times, when
prior to 1916 the old Dublin Draughts Club played in the Winter
Garden restaurant. This was part of D.B.C. complex which was the
centre of entertainment in Dublin’s O’Connell Street. Unfortunately
this was completely destroyed in the fighting in 1916. The club then
moved to the Capital Theatre restaurant which was rebuilt after
1916. This cinema and the Carlton was owned by Jim Fleming who
played and promoted the game. He also commissioned four solid silver
cups to the Four Provinces as perpetual Trophies for the game the
last of them that can be traced is the Leinster trophy which is in
the care of Paddy Doyle, (Dublin Champion). Dublin is one of the
most historic cities in Europe with museums, libraries, theatres,
and art galleries which are all within walking distance from the
hotel. It is also one of the most famous literary cities in Europe
and the home of Joyce, O’Casey, Beckett, Swift and many more
including Bram Stoker the creator of Dracula.
So this is a great opportunity to see and learn about Irish history
which is such a part of this city.
We have also agreed with management to hold the concession price for
one week including the tournament period, this may be lengthened if
the demand is sufficient from our members.
This would allow our friends and family to take a holiday, in
particular our American friends who will have a long way to come and
may need some extra time to look up their ancestors ( if they have
any Irish roots). If there is sufficient response we could have a
guided tour of the city free of charge, this would be unique and
comprehensive and would bear no similarity to published tours.
Dublin is not particularly noted for its painters with one
exception. Francis Bacon, his paintings now rank very highly at
world auctions. For those that know his work, they may not be aware
that his studio is in the Municipal art Gallery in Dublin, moved
from London at his request after his death. This attracts a lot of
visitors as does the Book of Kells, one of the most famous books in
the world, which is believed to originate from the famous Monastery
of Iona, the holy island off the west coast of Scotland.
We hope to see all our friends at our "Open" and renew old
friendships and maybe some new ones too, all would be very welcome.
The committee also bears in mind the economic downturn world – wide,
which affects most people now.
But the game of Checkers/Draughts has seen it all before, and is
still there, and will remain so as long
as it can renew the human spirit and challenge the values of a
broken world.
So don’t delay now in booking, the flag is falling so make your
move.
Joe McGuire -
Chairman, Irish Draughts Association.