The 2005 Irish Championship has been settled.

In the second game of the Top 8 final, played on Wednesday 11 January, Steve (b) beat Noel (w). In the third and deciding game on the 18th, Noel (w) beat Steve (b) by 8.5 points in a very tight and well fought match. This makes Noel the champion once again for the umpteenth time. Congratulations to Noel!!

In other news, Chris beat Bernard in their match in the Qualifiers tournament. Chris now goes on to play John for a place in the 2006 Top 8.