Cllr Stephen Stokes with Vincent Denard, Tom Janowski and Bernadette Stokes.

Cllr Stephen Stokes with Vincent Denard.

Councillor Stephen Stokes joined members of the Bray-Greystones Chess Club gathered on Wednesday, October 25, for a celebration to mark the 100th birthday of local chess player Vincent Denard, who has just hit the milestone 100.

Vincent is originally from Bangor in Co Down. In 1935 he won a scholarship to Bangor Grammar School. Following this, he went to Trinity College Dublin and graduated with a degree in Philosophy, in 1948, achieving first class honours. He subsequently worked as a lecturer.

Cllr Stephen Stokes with Vincent Denard.

In June 1963, Vincent had the honour of robing President John F Kennedy for the conferral of his honorary doctorate.

Vincent is a long time member of the Bray-Greystones Chess Club having joined in 2004.

He continued playing actively in Leinster chess competitions deep in to his nineties. In 2017, Vincent was a key member of the Bray-Greystones team that lifted Leinsters OSullivan Cup.

He followed up this success in 2019, helping Bray-Greystones to win the William Brennan Cup. At a critical moment, Vincent scored an impressive draw against one of Irelands top junior players. He would regularly slot in for teams at short notice and secure vital results.

Veteran chess captain Eugene Rellis described Vincent as the best damn chess sub in the world.

Today, Vincent continues to inspire younger generations with chess lessons.

Paying tribute to Vincent, Cllr Stokes said: Vincent is amazing. He is full of life and an inspiration in chess longevity. To continue to get positive results for the club, well in to his nineties, is remarkable. On behalf of everyone associated with the Bray-Greystones Chess Club, I would like to wish Vincent many more years of good health and happiness.

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