Peter Pigot Seminar – 1st November 2025, Cork Bridge Club

For Intermediate Players | 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Cork Bridge Club

Promoted by the South Munster Region, a full eleven tables participated in a recent Seminar presented by Irish International and expert teacher Peter Pigot at the Cork Bridge Club. Two key topics — Judgement and Partnership Defence — were explored in Peter’s typically clear, insightful, and engaging style.

Peter made excellent use of technology to make these topics both accessible and understandable. Each session began with a short presentation using a projector to introduce the theme, followed by participants playing a sample hand to put the ideas into practice. Peter then demonstrated the optimal line of play using a BBO teaching table, reinforcing the learning points in a highly effective and interactive way. This structured approach proved invaluable in helping players develop a deeper understanding of each concept.

A welcome mid-session break featured delicious sandwiches and biscuits — much appreciated by all. Special thanks are due to Pauline and Ger of Cork Bridge Club, who went above and beyond to ensure everyone was well looked after and ready for the second half.

The second topic, Partnership Defence, was tackled with the same logical and methodical approach that characterises Peter’s teaching. His comprehensive explanations and practical examples helped demystify complex defensive concepts, while the detailed notes will serve as a great resource for participants seeking to apply these ideas in future play.

Overall, it was an excellent afternoon of bridge learning, sure to enhance the standard of play among South Munster’s intermediate players.

Sincere thanks to Cork Bridge Club for providing the venue, to Ger and Pauline for their hard work and hospitality, and of course to Peter Pigot for delivering such a memorable and educational seminar.

Pat Twomey, South Munster CDO for Cork City Region

INTERMEDIATE A & B PAIRS 2025

30 Pairs entered the qualifiers for the Intermediate A & B Pairs National Finals

Intermediate A Pairs: 1st: Dermot Houston & John O'Donovan, 2nd: Triona Hegarty & John O'Connell, 3rd: Kay & Mike Russell,

Intermediate B Pairs: 1st: Michael McHugh & Ciaran Broadbery. 2nd: Kevin O'Dwyer & Sean Houston

Well done to everyone who participated, numbers are well up and thanks to all who promoted this competition.

South Munster Winners at the Duais an Uachtarain

South Munster was well represented in Waterford at CBAI President, John Phelan's Duais an Uachtarain.

Tom McCarthy with Pat Quinn (North Munster) won with Cian Holland & Dermot O'Brien second.

Jean Kelly & Betty Cotter came fifth.

Sessional winners: Derek O'Gorman & BJ O'Brien and Noel Bradfield & John Lyones

County/City Council Community Grants

Clubs have availed of community grants from their councils towards the cost of purchasing equipment for their club.  The window for apply is very short, it should open early 2026 and will close shortly after.  Below are links for Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Kerry County Council.  These links are for 2025 but will give you an idea of what information is required.  As per all grants, clubs will need to pay up front for the items and seek refund with poof of receipt.

Cork County Council: https://www.corkcoco.ie/en/resident/municipal-districts/municipal-district-community-fund-scheme

Cork City Council: https://www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/news-room/latest-news/applications-invited-for-the-lcdc-local-enhancement-programme-2025/

Kerry County Council: https://www.kerrycoco.ie/community/community-support-fund/

Winners of the Special Prizes for 2024/25