Lessons on how to ‘bridge’ the generation gap!
BRIDGE LEGENDS PASS ON LESSONS TO PLAYERS OF ALL AGE GROUPS
APPARENTLY, there are three kinds of bridge players – those who can count, and those who can’t!
If you’re either of those people, you will still be more than welcome to attend the beginners’ bridge lessons in the brand new ACBD Bridge Centre, Fair Green, Drogheda.
Run by local bridge stalwarts Paddy Bonner and Aidan Hodgers, they both say the state-ofthe-art premises are injecting new life into one of the oldest games in town.
“The new centre has been a long-time in the planning, and is really beautiful,” says former teacher Paddy, who has been playing bridge since moving to Drogheda in the early 70s.
“Not only is playing bridge is a skill, but it’s a great social event and a chance to get out and meet new people.”
Last Thursday at 7.30pm saw the first of the beginners’ lessons start, and the lads were bowled over at the interest in the game.
“We had 28 new learners sign-up, which is a fantastic amount,” adds Aidan, who has also been playing the card game for over 30 years.
“And once you start playing, you’ll see that it is very addictive and competitive – they don’t call it and ‘indoor blood sport’ for nothing!”
Paddy is originally from Donegal but will be remembered by many as a school teacher in St Mary’s Congress Avenue, and Donore.
He started playing in his home county in 1970, but when he moved to Drogheda in 1976, kept up the pastime.
“The Gate Club had been going strong since 1936, so it was the club I joined when I got here,” he recalls.
“I still play at least twice a week, and the lessons keep me busy too.”
Paddy was President of the Gate Club in 1994 when the first Drogheda & District Bridge Congress was established, an event which is celebrating its 25th anniversary and will welcome 800 players to the town next week.
Despite an image of being a game for older or retired people, there is a growing popularity amongst young people.
“A lot of students in schools and universities are playing, and we welcome players of all ages,” adds Aidan.
“The one thing we notice is we get many more women along to join and play than men, so we hope the lads will come along and help with the numbers.”
Contact Paddy on 041 9831883 or Aidan on 086 3939449 if you want to join in.