IT Sligo sports scholarship awardee marks International Chess Day

IT Sligo Sports Scholarship awardee Eibhia Ní Mhuireagáin is marking International Chess Day (July 20) in Sligo.

The Manorhamilton native became Ireland's first sports scholarship student in chess last year when she joined IT Sligo to study marketing.

Eibhia encourages more people to take up chess as it is a great way to meet new people while challenging yourself mentally and pysically.

She said: “My greatest and most memorable success was getting selected to represent Ireland in the 2018 Olympia in Batumi, Georgia. It was an honour getting the opportunity to play against the top players from different countries all around the globe.

“I have represented Ireland in many international tournaments but my experience playing at the Olympia is one I hold very close to my heart and I consider it the highlight of my chess career so far.”

Today, July 20, is the 97th anniversary of the founding of FIDE in Paris, France, in 1924. Since 1966, July 20 has been celebrated by chess players from all walks of life all over the globe as International Chess Day.