NEWS FROM THE BRIDGE CLUBS

myles.buchanan@peoplenews.ie

Diamond

Monday, May 14, was a presentation night for club members. Monica Brady was pipped to the post again by the O’Brien family and it was Paddy O’Brien who took the honours. Third place went to Bridie Nolan and sharing fourth and fifth spot were Marian Davies and Pauric Gleeson.

Winners for North/South were Pamela Byrne and Kay Plunkett, followed by Catherine Halligan and Phil Power. In third were John Loscher and Triona Woodroofe while Gertie Fee and Brid Clancy were fourth.

Bridie Nolan and Margaret Byrne took first place for East/West. Second were Mollie Byrne and Margaret Byrne, third were Maura Gaskin and Clare Sally and fourth Paddy O’Brien and Ann Duffy.

Triona thanked all the members on behalf of herself and Gaye for their continued support over the year and wished all a happy summer and look forward to a new season in September.

The Bank Holiday Monday saw the club hold a fundraiser for the Friends of Wicklow Community Services. The winners for North/South were Paddy O’Brien and Rory Egan, second were Rachel Judd and Molly Byrne and third Rowena Brady and Declan O’Brien.

First for East/West were John Hopkins and Jackie Deveraux while joint-second were Catherine Halligan and Bridie Nolan and Claire and Bernadette Rountree. Many thanks to Declan O’Brien, the score master, and to all who played, everyone who donated raffle prizes and the ladies and gents who provided a lovely suppert. A total of €660 was raised.

Grand Slam

After terrible monsoon-related floods which caused death and destruction all over Kenya, the family the club supports has reported that their unfinished home (which the club is helping to build) was flooded but, thankfully, there was no loss of life. The two children continue to achieve excellent results – Rita is top of her year in all subjects and Edwin is now in his second year at University in Kericho reading Computer Science.

There are seven more weeks before the club takes a two-month summer break for July and August. Any players from other clubs that have taken holidays early are welcome and the hour-long, free revision session from 6.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. before the usual competition will continue until the end of June. The traditional closing party will see out the season on Wednesday, June 27.

Royal

The Royal Bridge Club will continue with summer bridge on Wednesday nights at 8 p.m.

Prize-giving for the league results on Monday nights took place recently. Joe Kelly was a clear winner followed by Robert Doyle in second and jointthird were Michael and Nell O’Gorman. Numerous prizes were presented on the night. Thursday night league winners were first Paul Fenton, second Michael Connolly and in third Pauline Jameson. It proved to be a busy and competitive night, popular because of the time for lesson and advice provided.

Neptune

Neptune Bridge Club is closed for the summer but held its AGM just before the break. The following officers were elected: Catherine Black, President; Mary Flynn, Hon Secretary; Lyla Doyle, Hon Treasurer; Head Tournament Director, Noeleen Redmond; Committee Members, Eleanor O’Flaherty, ex-officio, Maura Kavanagh, Carmel Moore, Peter McWalter.

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The end of season prize-giving took place on Friday, May 11, and saw Nancy O’Brien taking first place. Monica Brady was second, Paddy O’Brien was third and in fourth was June Digby. North/South winners on the morning were Nancy O’Brien and June Digby. In second were Noeleen Redmond and Margaret Bolger and in third Maria Magee and Rowena Brady.

First for East/West were Ger Lenihan and Paddy O’Brien. Second were John Loscher and Pauric Gleeson and in third were Jim McNamara and Molly Byrne.

Gaye and Triona thanked all players for their very generous gifts and for their continued support over the season. They wished all a sunny summer and look forward to their return in September