JULY 2007

Five year old chess phenomenon from Inishowen

A five year old chess phenomenon from Inishowen has made history by being picked to represent Ireland. Shane Melaugh from Killea, will compete in an under 12 Four Nations competition against more than 20 of the best chess players from England, Scotland and Wales.

Shane's Chess coach, Alan Turnbull, says he has not seen anything like it before in his 20 years as a tutor. "Shane is very talented for his age and has beaten much older pupils. He has a very good grasp of the game, and in terms of his talent he is very much above any one I have taught. He has the potential to be the youngest Ulster chess champion."

Shane's father said he was delighted for his son. "His grandfather started teaching Shane when he was just three, and he has progressed from there. It's too early to say how good he will eventually turn out to be, but a lot of people involved in chess are very excited about him. We won't put pressure on him because all we want is for him to enjoy himself."

In the last few months Shane has been winning tournaments in Derry and Belfast against experienced older pupils, and forced a high-ranking and experienced chess master from England to concede a draw at a recent event. Shane is due to play in Dublin on the 24th July.

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