"The Latin American participation led to some minor culture shock. While the weather for the most part was excellent, with clear skies and temperatures in the high twenties, the first three days were rather cold. During this time one of the Colombians could be seen travelling the hotel corridors wearing a fur coat, with the hood up. We may safely assume Colombia is a hot country. Not to be outdone, Joe McAloon could be observed tucked up in bed wearing a plastic raincoat, with only his hooded head protruding from under the covers.

On the other hand, the Europeans were to learn about the Latin American temperament. This revealed itself when at every opportunity the Latins gave a raucous rendition of their national football chants, each country trying to out-do the other. Hitherto peaceful meal times began to sound like football matches. Who said Chess is a quiet sport?

The whole event ran very smoothly, however, on one occasion a power failure doused the playing hall into darkness for about five minutes. The evident consternation of the referees during this period remained a total mystery to most of the players. They continued to play on unaware of what had happened until after the games were finished.

The best Irish results were: wins against Norway, Holland, Finland and Italy (revenge for their defeat of us in the Soccer World Cup) and draws against Sweden and Cuba. I suppose there is always the story of the one that got away. Sean Loftus had the Ukrainian women's world champion Zsiltzova, on the brink of defeat, when an own-goal saved her bacon.

/Memories of Gerry McElligott, taken from BCAI history site /