Brian Reilly

Who was Brian Reilly?

Brian Patrick Reilly was an Irish chess Master, writer and magazine editor.

He was born at Menton on the French Riviera. The Irish connection goes back to his paternal grandfather, who came from Kells in County Meath. Reilly won the Nice club championship in 1924. He shared 5th place at Hyères 1927. He took 10th at Nice 1930.

In 1931, Reilly won in Nice and took 5th at Nice. He tied for 4-6th at Margate 1935. In 1935, he took 5th in Barcelona, and tied for 5-7th in Rosas. In 1937, he took 4th in Nice. In 1938, he took 2nd, behind Karel Opočensky, in Nice.

Reilly represented Ireland in nine Chess Olympiads in 1935, and 1954–1968. He was 'exceedingly chuffed' with a win against reigning U.S. champion Reuben Fine during the 6th olympiad. He won the Irish Championship in 1959 and 1960.

He was the editor of British Chess Magazine from 1949 to 1981, the longest-serving editor of that magazine.