Proposed Amalgamation of CBAI & NIBU for Bridge Development in Ireland
"Explore the proposed amalgamation of CBAI and NIBU creating a new 32-county body, Bridge Ireland, for efficient regulation, synergy, and seizing growth opportunities in Irish bridge development. Discover the rationale, benefits, and future plans outlined in this strategic initiative."
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
You are allowed to download the files provided on this website for personal or commercial use, subject to the condition that they are used lawfully. All files are the property of their respective owners.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
PROPOSED AMALGAMATION OF CBAI & NIBU Information to NIBU AGM 22 June 2025
Background NIBU and CBAI have been exploring potential for amalgamation Workgroups examined all the key issues All recommend that amalgamation is in the best interests of both bodies And of bridge in the island of Ireland
What Is The Proposal? Create a new 32-county body responsible for promotion, regulation, development of bridge (tentatively Bridge Ireland ) With current NIBU area functioning as its own region in the All-Ireland organisation Meeting with other 32-county sporting bodies to learn from their experience Seeking professional advice on all relevant aspects
Why Are We Proposing This? Three main reasons: Efficiency Synergy Opportunity
Why Efficiency Improved efficiency through shared resources, reduced duplication of effort Consistent regulation, ethics, tournament standards Harmonises minor differences between the two bodies Brings bridge into line with vast majority of Irish sporting bodies Eliminates the need for the Irish Bridge Union
Why Synergy Bigger and more comprehensive competitions, and revitalize some currently depressed ones Facilitates investment in teaching, TD training, member recruitment, junior bridge Enhanced member experience by combining best of both operating models Makes our community stronger through unity and collaboration
Why Opportunity Exploit a once-off opportunity for publicity for bridge in Ireland Explore new sources of cross-border funding Reinforce the value of the NBO to ordinary members Create a vibrant, modern, organization for the 21stcentury Expand our promotional activities for bridge
Promotion & Development Felt to be a gap in current operational structure Recommending new Committee and Officer CDOs to form core of this Committee More regular meetings Better ability to work together
What Will Change? New name, legal entity, and constitution Dual currency; accounts and year-end Look to enhance governance structure Fair and balanced representation within governance structure for both jurisdictions Opportunity to revitalize some defunct or moribund competitions Potential geographic changes for western NIBU and Cavan/Monaghan
What Will Not Change? Anything within your club Your grade and masterpoint holding Your affiliation fee Relationship with international bridge bodies, including BGB Your membership number, apart from the addition of an initial digit
Competitions Concept of open and close competitions Egan, Moylan are All-Ireland Close Championships Potentially joined by Spiro, Coen Other majors will be All-Ireland Open Championships Current NIBU competitions can be opened up, or reframed as regional competitions New Premier League and Gold Cup
Finances, Office, Website Will need to run sterling and euro bank accounts Align accounting years CBAI has an office in Dublin, with equivalent of 3.5 full-time staff Will retain this, and perhaps add to staff Create new Bridge Ireland website Current NIBU website retained for region
Summary Amalgamation is a step forward for both bodies, and for Irish bridge We see benefits as follows: Practical improvements from the efficiency of a combined organization A chance to modernise our governance, and generate publicity for bridge And a respect for the traditions, experience, and expertise of both organisations Aiming for 1 Sept 2026 implementation
Questions & Comments Would welcome any questions, comments, or observations
