THE 55th East of Ireland bridge congress will take place in the Fairways Hotel, Dundalk, from May 30th to June 2nd. Open pairs will be played on Friday, and twice daily thereafter, with the Monday sessions at 1.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. The major two session events are mixed pairs on Saturday (2.15 p.m.); both congress, and intermediate pairs on Sunday (2 p.m.); the teams on Monday, starting at noon, and finishing at 9 p.m. Intermediate B pairs will be on Saturday (7.30 p.m.), and novice pairs on Monday (6 p.m.). Directors: Joe and John Murray. Entries: Kathleen Manning (042 21337).
The Worldwide Simultaneous Pairs may be played on either June 6th or 7th. Contract Bridge of Ireland clubs wishing to take part should contact, without delay, Paul Porteous (01-2697275).
The current Irish open squad for the European championships in Italy next month had a narrow victory over a team of ex internationals, in a 60 board challenge match, at the Regent, Dublin, the final score being 278 to 274 imps. Open team: N. Toibin (non playing captain) T. Hanlon, Dr H. McGann, M. O Briain, D. and T. Garvey, and P. O Briain, who was deputising for J. Carroll, who is indisposed. Exinternationals: A. Mesbur, N.K. FitzGibbon, R Walshe, R. Boland, Dr G.M. Keaveney, R. Timlin.
The major pairs championship (Magnier Trophy) of the 54th South of Ireland congress, held in the Lake Hotel, Killarney, was won by C.J. Luck, and B.N. Goldenfield. Runnersup were R. Goldenfield, and A. O'Sullivan. The third prize went to R.D. McGrath, and K. Hayes. Munster prize: C. Holland, F. Conway. Sessional winners: P. Cunningham, R. Trew; A. Williams, D. Dillon.
Mixed teams (Goldenfield Trophy): 1, J. Glubb, M. Pierce, K.and C. Comrie; 2, J. Peevers, A. Gallop, V. Pitt, D. Berry; 3, M. McAuliffe, M. MacCormac, D. Mordue, C. Melluish. Best second session: M. Atkinson, B. Cotter, D. Jordan, M. Kennefick.
Women's teams (Lake Hotel Trophy): 1, A.M. Bourke, E. Winters, N. O'Sullivan, M. Philpott; 2, M. Pierce, L. Woodruff, M. MacCormac, R. Goldenfield. Men's teams (Lake Hotel Trophy): 1, Cunningham/Trew, J. Glubb, M. Close; 2, R. Mordue, C. Melluish, C.J. Luck, A. Williams.
The Yeats Country, and the Youghal Bay congresses will both be played on May 23rd-25th, with the former in the Sligo Park Hotel, and the latter in the Walter Raleigh. Sligo entries: Anita Murphy (071-68171). Youghal entries: Kitty Martin (024-95118).
Starting on September 8th, there will be a two week bridge tour in Turkey. Details: Niall Collier (046-21617).