They’ll probably outlast us all.

Crafted in heritage limestone, two new chess-draughts tables will be officially opened for public use on Pope’s Quay on Thursday.

The tables, built by Crosshaven stone carver Tommy Lysaght, will be officially launched by the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Deirdre Forde at 1pm, with the inaugural games being played by members of Cork’s CCYMS chess club, along with music and refreshments.

The tables are the culmination of a long-held dream held by café-owner Liam Mullaney, who has been running Myo Café at 34 Popes Quay for nine years.

With games of chess and draughts a staple of the social scene in public spaces of so many towns and cities around the world, Liam saw the opportunity for Cork residents and visitors to sit, chat, and play at the quayside. Mullaney and Lysaght approached Cork City Council with plans to create the tables and install them by the quay walls.

“My vision was to do something that would engage the multicultural nature of the area,” said Liam.

“Cork City Council was more than happy to support this project on Popes Quay. It’s a real example of the community being at the very heart and driving force of placemaking.”

The tables’ use of reclaimed Cork limestone blends perfectly with the quay walls, and the integration of stone from further afield for the boards is a tribute to the multicultural character of the location.

“This is such a dynamic and diverse part of the city, and I love that this is reflected in the tables being a mix of Cork’s heritage stone, with marble from Carrera in Italy, and onyx from Pakistan,” Lysaght added.

“That diversity is something we cherish. These tables are for everyone to use, and it’s important to us that one of the seats is also wheelchair accessible.”