Northern Ireland Bridge Union

Sad to report the death of Gerry Fitzgerald, a stalwart of Northern Ireland bridge for the past 50 years

A tribute can be read here

Bridging Academia, Policy and Practice Virtual Conference 
Monday 28 June – Thursday 1 July 2021 

Click here for more details on the event

How a cheating scandal brought down the Michael Jordan of bridge

Professor Samantha Punch is holding a major conference  ” BAMSA ” ( Bridge a mind sport for all ) in June. She has invited Norma Irwin and Norman Lacey to submit a presentation on the work they have accomplished in introducing Bridge into the Primary School curriculum in Northern Ireland. Here is their joint submission .

We are sorry to hear of the death of Terry Blackman, from Warrenpoint GC Bridge Club.

Member, Michael A. Mc Namee writes:
“Terry was always a committee member in my time, and probably the principal driving force within the club. He was the person who brought Bridgemates, dealing machines and an on-line presence to our club. Very modest, his computer skills were breathtaking, and we shall sorely miss his abilities to set up and maintain the club website.”

It is with sadness that I write this obituary of Marjorie (Margie) Kelso, widow of the late Billy who was both Hon Treasurer and Secretary of the NIBU for many years. Margie was a great supporter of all NIBU competitions and represented Northern Ireland on the Lady Milne team. She was also a NIBU representative on the IBU council. Although not holding an official position, she did a lot of work supporting Billy as Congress Organiser and International Match Manager. She was a founder member of the 75 club (now defunct).

She was a keen golfer, being a member of both Royal Belfast and Massereene Golf Clubs.

On a personal note, Alan and I enjoyed many trips to Donegal Congresses playing with them in the teams. She and Billy were the winners of the first Donegal Congress Pairs. We also played with them in a number of NIBU teams competitions as well as travelling with them to the the Moylan Cup on a regular basis.

The NIBU extends its condolences to the whole family circle at this sad time.

Heather Hill
Chairman NIBU

The Moylan Cup, a prestigious pairs event hosted by the IBU, will be held on BBO on the 10-11 April 2021. The event comprises 3 sessions: Saturday 13:00-16:00, 17:30-20:30, and Sunday 11:00-14:00.

The NIBU representatives in this year’s competition can be found here.

The Union is sorry to hear of the death of Uel Wilson on 2 March 2021. Uel was the long-standing secretary of Ballymena Bridge Club. We send our condolences to his wife Ann and family.