Latest News
Dear Members,
WE HAVE A NEW GRAND MASTER IN THE EASTERN REGION.
Congratulations to John Noonan, who has reached the highest rank in Irish bridge, that of Grand Master, becoming the 36th member of that most exclusive group.
John took up bridge in the mid-1980s and has been a member of Bray Bridge Club since he joined as a novice. He very grateful to all the more experienced members of Bray Bridge Club who advised him and gave him guidance as he progressed through the ranks. He is particularly appreciative to Enda Boland who took John under his wing in the early days.
John didn’t start to play very seriously until the mid-1990s, when he established his very successful partnership with Carol-Ann Cummins. John has won more than 20 national titles, including virtually all the “majors”, the vast majority of them in partnership with Carol-Ann. He also has one national title with Brendan Martin, and one online one (which doesn’t count towards the official tally) with Alan O’Sullivan.
He has been capped for Ireland twice in Mixed Pairs championships with Carol-Ann.
John has also been very involved in the administrative side of bridge, serving for many years on the Eastern Region Committee, including as President and is our current Treasurer.
Just like his own mentors, John would be widely recognised as being very helpful and generous with his time to up-and-coming players.
John will be presented with the special Grand Master’s silver salver at the Holmes Wilson in February.
Many congratulations John!
Marie Fitzgerald
President Eastern Region
Herman Rossiter and Eileen O'Doherty Trophies
This year we had a fantastic turnout for the Novice pairs competition for the Herman Rossiter trophy and the Intermediate B pairs competition for the Eileen O'Dohery trophy which took place in Cabinteely on Thursday, November 21st.
John Royds, TD, and Joan O'Neill, competition organiser, did a terrific job of getting the 16 novice pairs and 20 Inter B pairs through their competitions. The reports are that everybody enjoyed the evening and plan to play in more competitions in 2024 and 2025.
Marie Fitzgerald, our region's President, was there to present the prizes to the winners.
Congratulations to all the pairs who took part and a big cheer to the winning pairs:
Herman Rossiter Trophy
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Receiving the Patrica Herman Rossiter Trophy
Mary Coyle & Dennisa Newton
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In second position
Bernie Nesbitt & Lucy Mulcahy
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In third position
Ruth & Susan Parsons
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In fourth position
Ruth Keogh & Mary Devine
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Eileen O'Doherty Trophy
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Receiving the Eileen O'Doherty Trophy
Gabriel McGovern & Eva Reynolds
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In second position
Thelma Henry O'Connor & Fionnuala Duddy
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In third position
Mick Stuart & Yvonne Corrigan
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In fourth position
Thelma Henry O'Connor & Fionnuala Duddy
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In fifth position
Dorothy Collins & Niamh Hogan
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Eastern Region Promotion Day
A huge thank you from the Eastern Region committee to all the bridge players who supported our Promotion Day in Stillorgan Shopping Centre on Saturday, 31 August.
There was a terrific turnout of supporters who interacted with shoppers, played some hands of bridge and took part in Mini Bridge demonstrations.
We met several former bridge players who were encouraged to return to the game and dozens of people expressed interest in taking lessons. Information on local clubs and lessons was handed out and in general it was a very busy and successful event.
Special thanks to the teenagers and pre-teens who took part; Daisy, Holly, Eliana, Ben, Eric, Adam, Brian and Katie, ranging in age from 8 to 20. They are great ambassadors for our game and demonstrated that bridge is for all ages.
Pictured are Claire, Ann, Ben and Eliana enjoying a game of mini-bridge
Massey Bros League 2023 - 24
Well done to the winning teams in the Massey Bros League 2023/24
- Inter A – Blackrock College Bridge Club
- Inter B – The Well Bridge Club
- Seniors – Abbey Bridge Club
22 teams competed in the revised format of the league, which worked very well. The ER committee would like to thank the management of the four venues:
- Mount Merrion Community Centre,
- Greystones Bridge Centre,
- Dun Laoghaire Bridge Club and
- Dun Laoghaire Golf Club
We wound up the season with a lovely evening in Dun Laoghaire Golf Club. Two members of Massey Bros team attended and presented the trophies Thanks to all who helped with the organising and to Massey Bros for their continued generous sponsorship of the league
Finally, thanks to all the players who supported the league. We hope you enjoyed the experience
Full Results are available on the Massey Bros League 2023 - 24 page.
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