As members are aware both the NIBU and CBAI are amalgamating into ‘Bridge Ireland’ on January 1st 2027. The new company is required to have a Board of Directors and applications are invited from individuals with experience in specific areas. For more details please click on this link:
URGENT – VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED
Sandie Millership has decided to retire from running the Thursday Evening Online Pairs on BBO which she has been doing for the past four years. A big thank you to Sandie for carrying out this role as TD.
If the Thursday Evening sessions are to continue, we need a volunteer(s) to take over this role, possibly on a rota basis. This is not a complicated task and training will be provided. A remuneration of £20 per evening is provided.
To volunteer, please contact Michael McFaul on mjmcfaul@gmail.com.
Lady Milne trials
Trials for the Lady Milne Trophy 2027 will be held at Kelvin Malone Bridge Club over the weekend of 21st November 2026. Wales are hosting the 2027 event which is scheduled to take place 16-18 April 2027.
Details on how to enter can be found here.
Inter-Provincials Expressions of Interest wanted
The NIBU are looking for interested Masters and Intermediates to represent Ulster in the Inter-Provincials. The event takes place on the 28th-29th November at the Knightsbrook Hotel and Country Club in Trim. If you wish to apply to play in this, email Michael Coffey at michael.b.coffey06@gmail.com
Message from Chairperson, Helen Hall
6th September 2026
Following a unanimous vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on 5th September at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast, I am delighted to confirm that arrangements are now going ahead to establish ’ Bridge Ireland’ on 1 January 2027. The new body is an amalgamation of the Northern Ireland Bridge Union, the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland and the Irish Bridge Union. I would like to thank all the club delegates who came to the EGM to lend their support to the merger of the three bodies.
We have a very busy few months ahead and will be seeking volunteers to represent the Northern Ireland Region in a number of committees. More details to follow….
Knockout Cups
The entry forms for the Kelvin Cup for Open teams, Mackinnon Cup for Pivot teams and Millership Cup for non-experts (<100 Red Points) are now open. Click here for the entry form. Entries close on 30th September.
BGB Gold Cup
The Gold Cup is the most prestigious teams event in the BGB calendar. Teams knocked out early can then compete for the Silver Plate. Click here for information and entry form. Entries for this event close on 31st October.
Interprovincial trials
The following pairs have entered the interprovincial trials. You can click on the pair to download the convention card.
Harold Curran & Michael O’Kane
EGM Meeting 5th September
An EGM of members will take place on September 5th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Shaws Bridge, Belfast from 2pm. The meeting has been called to authorise proceeding on the merger with the CBAI to form ‘Bridge Ireland’.
Donegal International Bridge Congress
The 49th Donegal International Bridge Congress will take place on the 6th-8th November 2026. Click here for Congress Brochure.