Man Of The Century

Bernadette offers to take on food-testing duties…

atest press release from Cllr Stephen Stokes, issued on Wednesday, October 25th 2023…

Local chess player Vincent Denard has turned 100, and members of the Bray-Greystones Chess Club decided to mark the occasion.

Sadly, for Vincent, that meant a visit from Queen Bernadette and her wayward son, Stephen.

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

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

The Kennedy lad

Vincent Denard 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 Leinster’s O’Sullivan Cup.

Vincent in his younger days, aged just 90

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 Ireland’s top junior players. Additionally, 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.

Cllr Stephen Stokes paid tribute to Vincent Denard, stating, “Vincent is amazing. He is full of life, and an inspiration in chess longevity. To continue to get positive results for the club, well into 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.”