HUNDREDS SET FOR BRIDGE CONGRESS
IT’S a big year for the game of bridge in Drogheda.
Not only is the town enjoying the benefit of a brand new centre for local clubs, including its oldest club The Gatem but the annual Drogheda & District Bridge Congress is celebrating 25 years in existence, having welcomed thousands of local, national and international players to the competition in the past two and a half decades.
The three-day event is taking place from October 5th, 6th and 7th in the Westcourt Hotel and the new ABCD bridge centre in the Fair Green.
Club PRO Philina Dowd says they are excited to mark the silver anniversary of what is known affectionately as the Friendly Congress.
“During the Drogheda 800 celebrations (in 1994), it was decided to hold a Bridge Congress and we had such great support from local businesses and local bridge players that it was decided to hold an annual event and here we are 25 years later still going strong,” she explains.
“We are looking forward to meeting up with old and new friends over the weekend and we have a great line up of events to suit all players from Novice to Grand Masters.”
Each year, the event draws around 800 visitors to the town, and this year will be no exception, especially as word has gone around after the Fleadh, how well Drogheda can throw a party!
“It is not just about bridge though as we have a Gala night of entertainment arranged for Saturday night and I guarantee everyone will enjoy it, starring the magnificent tenor Eugene Ginty performing in cabaret-style, with finger food. That starts at 9.15pm and all are welcome to come along,” she adds.
“The Congress attracts a lot of visitors from all over the country and abroad, not forgetting all our local players and that is why we are renowned as the “Friendly Congress”.
Open Pairs this year will be on Friday October 5th at 7.45pm, Saturday October 6th at 1-m and 5pm and Sunday October 7th at 4pm.
Whilst no arrangement has been made this year regarding parking tickets, the players can enjoy free parking anywhere on Friday evening, free parking beside the bus station on Saturday for those playing in the Westcourt Hotel, with all day parking for €5 in Stockwell Street behind the hotel, and free parking in Mell for those using the ABCD Bridge Centre.
For further information, see www.bridgewebs.com/droghedabridgecongress . Entries to Peter Byrne on 086 8049531 . Email: peterbyrne1entries@hotmail.com