diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 695be1fb..50bd9c15 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -56,8 +56,7 @@ Look at matterbridge.conf.sample for an example
 
 ```
 [IRC]
-server="irc.freenode.net"
-port=6667
+server="irc.freenode.net:6667"
 #default no TLS connection to irc server
 UseTLS=false
 #do not check the certificate if we use TLS (allows for selfsigned certificates)
diff --git a/bridge/bridge.go b/bridge/bridge.go
index 8e2b1393..b6445be2 100644
--- a/bridge/bridge.go
+++ b/bridge/bridge.go
@@ -114,7 +114,10 @@ func (b *Bridge) createIRC(name string) *irc.Connection {
 		i.Password = b.Config.IRC.Password
 	}
 	i.AddCallback(ircm.RPL_WELCOME, b.handleNewConnection)
-	i.Connect(b.Config.IRC.Server + ":" + strconv.Itoa(b.Config.IRC.Port))
+	err := i.Connect(b.Config.IRC.Server)
+	if err != nil {
+		flog.irc.Fatal(err)
+	}
 	return i
 }
 
diff --git a/bridge/config.go b/bridge/config.go
index 37d3e95c..2bec5108 100644
--- a/bridge/config.go
+++ b/bridge/config.go
@@ -11,7 +11,6 @@ type Config struct {
 		UseTLS           bool
 		SkipTLSVerify    bool
 		Server           string
-		Port             int
 		Nick             string
 		Password         string
 		Channel          string
@@ -22,7 +21,6 @@ type Config struct {
 	}
 	Mattermost struct {
 		URL                    string
-		Port                   int
 		ShowJoinPart           bool
 		Token                  string
 		IconURL                string