The John Kennedy Memorial Chess Tournament
Bernie Kennedy presents The John Kennedy Senior Chess Trophy 2008 to winner
Michael Hussey with John Kiely and Youghal CYMS President William Kelly
The Inaugural John Kennedy Memorial Chess Tournament took place at The Youghal CYMS. John’s sister Bernie Kennedy representing the Kennedy family presented the trophies and John’s old acquaintance and sparring partner John Kiely was also present.
Bernie thanked the members of Youghal CYMS for the friendship and kindness they showed to John and for the great send off they gave him especially the guard of honour at his funeral, which the family much appreciated.
Bernie said ‘John was one of the founding members of the Youghal Chess Club together with John Kiely, Darragh O’Leary, Alex Brophy and some others. When he was in good health he used to play Chess and Draughts in the Hall and he loved to teach the games to both the senior and juniors. He would be proud today to see the young and not so young members of Youghal CYMS interested in the game, which he loved so much. As a tribute to the members of the society the Kennedy family decided to donate the Senior and Junior Perpetual Trophies in memory of John, he would have liked that.’ Bernie thanked Michael Hussey for running the Chess Tournament and giving so much of his time and said she was delighted to present the trophies to the winners.
Youghal CYMS President William Kelly presents a bouquet of flowers to Bernie Kennedy with John Kiely and members of Youghal CYMS
John’s friend John Kiely also paid tribute. He said ‘Our friendship and acquaintance go back a long time to the 1960’s. John always said that Jack Donoghue taught him to play Chess and Chess was certainly John’s passion. John had a theory about Chess ‘That was to try and win every game against every single person whether young or old or whatever! John was a gentleman and loved his religion and God. It played a big part in his day to start with God and to finish the day with God. John also had a great political mind- he had his allegiance to his party and always voted faithfully. John was a great cyclist and got around town on his bicycle, alas his cycling days are over but was sure he is on a new road with a new bike up their in a better life. John never minded a bit of hardship. He’d say ‘Don’t think too much of yourself’ and was happy to spend his time at home in North Main St. or with his dear friends out in Summerfield.
He finished by saying the late Willy Kohner who was a Past President of the Youghal Chess club used say ‘You can only play from the Chess Book if you are playing a book player, but if you are playing a natural talent, you must play without the book theory’. John Kennedy was a natural talent, He is sadly missed by all of us.
Michael Hussey, Youghal CYMS PRO, added ‘John was one of the oldest and valued members of the Society dating back to the old days in the Mall House. His presence was always welcome whenever he called into the Hall. Although snooker and billiards are the predominant games of the Society, John re-introduced the game of Chess and other board games to broaden the activities of the Society especially for the junior members. John was a chess champion and liked nothing more than playing the game or teaching the members how to play. John was generous, talented, gifted, intelligent and a deeply religious man. John came from a highly respected family and the Catholic Young Men’s Society was privileged to have him as a member.’
-
- The John Kennedy Senior Chess Trophy 2008
Related Stories
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
John Kennedy was a great reminder to us that the local community breathes and grows through the contributions, and sometimes genius, of those who are willing to share their particular talents not so much to focus on their own unique skills or abilities, but to use those skills, most often quietly and humbly, to enhance the life experience of the next generation, so that in turn, the community as a whole is enriched and strengthened by those who have benefited by the gift of one who gave, so that others might also give of themselves.