The Contract Bridge Association of Ireland's new national headquarters in Templeogue, Dublin, was officially opened by Minister of State for Tourism, Sport, and Recreation, Mr Chris Flood, after which the annual general meeting took place in the adjoining Templeogue Community Bridge Centre.
The outgoing president, Mr Peter Flynn (Tramore), said that while he much appreciated the hospitality he received travelling to congresses, and championships, the highlight of his year in office was the joy he saw on the faces of the many students playing in their all-Ireland tournament in Galway.
He said it was a pity they would inevitably mature, and take bridge seriously.
Mrs Kay Molloy (Kilkenny), on assuming the presidency, echoed Mr Flynn's sentiments and hoped that hers would be a year of good manners at the bridge table. Mr Michael O'Connor (Galway) was nominated by the western region as president-elect.
The following honorary officers were re-elected unopposed. Vice-president, Mr Joe Moran (Dublin); chairman, Mr John Cunningham (Mullingar); secretary, Ms Una Walsh (Galway); treasurer, Ms Clare Pippet (Wicklow); auditor, Mr Joe Bevan (Dublin).
To provide £125,000 towards the headquarters, the CBAI had asked all 12 regions to contribute a sum in ratio to their membership. Remarkably, only three have as yet reached their allotted target. The percentage achieved by each region reads as follows - 1, North Munster, 103.44; 2, North Midland, 100.79; 3, Northern, 100.2; 4, South Eastern, 88.95; 5, Dublin South, 86.68; 6, North Eastern, 78.4; 7, Eastern, 76.75; 8, South Munster, 71.3; 9, South Midland, 67.96; 10, North Western, 65.56; 11, Western, 56.47; 12, Dublin North, 44.14. The vice-president, Mr Moran, urged the regions in default to fulfil their commitments as soon as possible.
In the course of his report, the general secretary, Mr Paul Porteous, said the total membership is 33,785, broken down as follows - 1, Eastern Region, 4,795; 2, South Munster, 4,179; 3, Dublin South, 3,977; 4, Dublin North, 3,956; 5, North Munster, 3,243; 6, North Eastern, 3,120; 7, South Eastern, 2,803; 8, South Midland, 2,408; 9, Western, 1,706; 10, North Western, 1,553; 11, North Midland, 1,274; 12, Northern, 771.
Some clubs are not affiliating all their members, asserted Mr Porteous. He mentioned a case where a club's membership dropped suddenly from 70 to 30. He appealed to the clubs to help strengthen the association by organising classes for beginners.