It would be great for all the family if we got more women involved

It would be great for all the family if we got more women involved

10 April 2024

DOWNPATRICK Chess Club will be hosting an exclusive event for women later this month.

A ladies’ chess night at Murphy’s Bar and Restaurant on Thursday, April 25, is set to break new ground for the club.

The club is seeking to include more women and balance the male-to-female ratio as it continues to formulate its constitution.

The event has been organised Aine Doxey, the wife of one of the club founders Mark Doxey, who wants to make the club more popular and inclusive amongst women.

“There’s a lot of excitement about the event,” Aine said. “When I first came up with the idea, several of the mothers who bring their kids to the club showed a lot of enthusiasm about the idea.

“We’ve seen for weeks that mums love to come and watch their children play, but some are nervous to participate because they have never learnt the game.

“I only started playing in September because Mark and our son Thomas are always playing, but it can be a bit intimidating trying to learn, especially against men who can get so competitive.

“Mums would come and watch their kids play, but you can see that there is a real interest for them to learn because they see the enjoyment on their kids faces.

“I still play against our youngest child, Thomas, but he completely annihilates me – he can beat me in five or six moves.”

The event at Murphy’s bar will begin at 6.30pm and is free for anyone who wishes to participate.

“It’d be great if we had more women players at our club,” Mark added.

“Currently 95% of our members are men or boys, but the few female players we do have are extremely talented.

“At our FIDE Chess Tournament in Denvir’s a few weeks ago, one of our best players was a 13 year-old girl, so it’d be nice to encourage more young girls and women to get involved in the club.”

Aine will be running the event with the help of their daughter, Molly, who is a keen player in her own right. 

“It’d be great for all the family if we got more women involved,” Aine said.

“You can see that kids love playing against their mum but they also refuse to share any of their tactics and only let the mums know some off the basic moves.

“We want everyone to feel included and welcome. It doesn’t matter if you are just a beginner or are a seasoned player, there is room for everyone to enjoy themselves and learn a new skill.”

Downpatrick Chess Club has a committee of ten, with two women holding senior positions.

“We hope to organise future tournaments that will feature more women and girls,” added Mark.

“It’s a great game, and an also is an incredible opportunity to get to know others in the community.”

For more information about Downpatrick Chess Club, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551751513157.