Downpatrick Chess Club bringing a breath of fresh air to the Co Down town

A chess club in a Co Down town is helping to bring a breath of fresh air to area while bringing the community together after recent flooding.

The Downpatrick Chess Club was formed by Mark Doxey and his young son Thomas, after they first began playing chess together during lockdown when Thomas was just six-years-old.

Last summer, on a trip to Manchester, they stumbled upon a chess tournament and Thomas had a go playing the board game against adults and loving every second. He asked why they couldn't have something similar in their hometown in Northern Ireland, and so the idea for the chess club was born.

Read more: Rory McIlroy defended by ex-agent as true relationship with caddie emerges

Read more: Warning over fire risk in Mournes as heatwave approaches

Speaking to Belfast Live, Thomas' mum, Aine Doxey, said the club has been going from strength to strength, with membership peaking after recent flooding devastated Downpatrick.

She said: "Last September, we approached my son's chool principal and asked about maybe doing an after school club. The principal said they couldn't guarantee there'd be much interest, but we could give it a go. In our first week we had 16 kids show up to play chess.

"My husband then approached Downpatrick library and asked if we could have a table there once a week. For the first week or two, it was just my husband and son going, but then interest and word got out.

"Our new chairman, Dermot Maguire, came with his kids and he and my husband just really steamrolled from there trying to get more people involved. Our committee was formed three months ago and we've had two tournaments, as well as a few events and fundraisers to help us along.

"It all really took off just after the floods in Downpatrick. We have maybe 60 plus members of all ages and genders, from all over who have played chess for years or who have just taken it up.

"Being able to rally together after the flood and bring a bit more excitement back into the town, and something that caters for all ages and genders is brilliant. It has been lovely to be so inclusive and part of the community that is accessible to anybody."

The youngest members of Downpatrick Chess Club are around six years old, going right up to adults groups. The children's group play each week at the local library, with an adult's session taking place on Wednesday evenings at Denvir's Pub.

The chess club also work with local schools, with Aine adding that being involved in the local community is something very important to them. Being involved in an academic sport such as chess may give children a sporting option they didn't know existed.

Aine said: "There's such a strong sense of community in the club. There's a strong link with the local community, a lot of local businesses have offered use of their premises free of charge as we're just starting out and are currently applying for funding.

"We hosted a tournament for all the primary schools in the area and had seven different schools involved, all show up to my son's school, St Colmcille's, a few weeks back. It was fantastic to see, the kids are forming friendships through chess and the parents are starting to become friendly and know each other.

"The schools are delighted we're able to go in and teach the kids chess as there isn't a lot in the way of academic sport. To have a game that teaches critical thinking and helps children think about strategies is just brilliant. It's teaching them patience, respect, and showing a completely different side of the sporting world you wouldn't typically see.

"So many of the kids who come to the club are autistic, our son included, and social skills aren't always his strongest suit, but he's so confident in talking and teaching younger kids now. It's great to see the kids coming out of their shells and being celebrated.

"It's not the sort of sport where it's like 'I'm better than you and I'm going to beat you.' There is so much respect in it, and in chess you don't really lose, you're only learning more for your next game."

The Downpatrick Chess Club are always looking for new members to come along and give it a go, whether you're a chess pro or just curious about getting to grips with the rules of the game.

"We have had people walk in that didn't even know the club was on, and they've sat down and just ended up staying due to the interaction and friendship you're able to get out of it," Aine added.

"It doesn't matter what level or knowledge you have in the same, it's something for everybody and anybody is welcome to come along and have a go."

You can find out more about Downpatrick Chess Club through their Facebook page by clicking here.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.