Limerick goes a different way than the mega-weekenders, such as its near-neighbour Bunratty. Taking advantage of its October Bank Holiday slot, it has a more leisurely two games per day and a longer time-limit. Since 2012 the Open section has been FIDE rated, a relative rarity for Irish weekenders.
This year’s edition showed that the Congress remains in good health, with 37 players, including 2 GMs, in the Philip Hogarty Open and 44 in the Under-1400, producing a total entry at the top-end of its normal levels.
With the conclusion of the 2014 renewal, I have now added a page on the Limerick Open from its start in 1988 to date. Only one year (1992) has completely eluded me and the results have been made more comprehensive, particularly for the period 1995-1999, due to Gerry Graham generously making available his computer archives.
Irish Chess History 