DERELICT SHED TO HOME SWEET HOME
ITS bright and airy interior is light years away from the derelict shed that it replaced, and now bridge players all over Drogheda and the North East can at last enjoy using the new Associated Bridge Clubs of Drogheda (ABCD) Centre in the Fair Green.
Over five years in the making, the centre has been in use by club members for the past few weeks but was officially launched last Saturday to showcase the facility in all its glory to the public.
“It’s hard to picture what it was like when we first saw the building back in 2013, when it was dark, dusty and full of pigeons, alive and dead,” says founding committee member May Coyle with a cheeky smile.
“And now to see it complete, and such a lovely location for all the bridge clubs, is a dream come true.”
It is a dream that many though might never come true, as they had to overcome a few hurdles to get where they are now.
The centre houses six clubs; the Gate, Donore, Dunleer, Termonfeckin, the Star & Crescent and Barbara Tierney, and can accommodate up to 50 tables in its 3,500 square feet.
“It was a very long journey, but the determination of the committee and each and every member who donated, fundraised and even loaned money to get it open paid off in the end,” adds May, who has been President of three of the clubs in the past.
“It makes an enormous difference to all the clubs to each have a permanent home, and so easily accessible on one floor, with full wheelchair access.”
The idea for the Bridge Centre was something local player Paddy Brennan had for a long time, and with that in mind, he formed a Board of Trustees with Dave Doherty and Tom Lawlor, as well as a committee led by Paddy’s son Paul and Martin O’Brien.
“The biggest task was fundraising, and the committee ran a concert with The Three Tenors, a raffle, bric a brac sales and other projects,” explains May.
“All members were just asked for an extra euro per week onto the €5 subs, and any donation was gratefully received, so by the time these doors opened, every member had contributed to the centre.”
With no bank willing to take the risk, the project was eventually financed by Clann Credo, a charity which funds community projects. The full cost of it was €500,000, half of that coming from the charity, half from club fundraising.
“This was a massive project over a prolonged period of time, and local bridge players are delighted with their state-of-the-art centre,” adds Aidan Hodgers of the Gate Club.
“The Fair Green site is ideal for such a building, with ample parking literally outside the door, and with great access from two different town centre streets, it is a perfect location.”
He says there are plenty of restaurants and bars around the area, which will be ideal to feed players involved in the regional and local competitions.
“The 2018 Drogheda & District Congress is on this week, and it will have the Intermediate competitions in our new centre, which we are delighted to be able to host,” he adds.
“The committee, trustees and everyone involved can justifiably feel very proud of their achievement of bringing home this home this fantastic project.”
Aidan is one of a few members who are giving beginners lessons to a raft of new members, of all ages.
The theme of young people playing bridge was one that this year’s President Peter O’Meara was keen to emphasise , and hopes to encourage more to take up the game.
“Lots of students in universities and secondary schools are starting to play, and it is something I’d love to see more if,” adds May. “I would like to see it as part of the TY programme, and I would be happy to go into schools and share information on the game.”
While age is not a barrier, there are still more women than men playing, which is something May has a theory about!
“I was speaking to an older person who says in olden days only men played golf as no ladies were allowed, the ladies then played bridge and other card games,” says May with a smile.
“Therefore, it became a ladies game, but that has definitely changed since then! We welcome men and women of all ages, and some of us have been playing bridge for more years than we care to remember.
“With this new centre, it ensures the future of the game is safe for many more years to come.”