For the first time since 1951 the Republic, represented by the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland, will compete in the home internationals (Camrose Trophy). The fixtures are: away to Wales on December 5th-6th; away to Northern Ireland, January 9th-10th; home (Ennis) to England, February 6th-7th; home (venue not yet decided) to Scotland, March 27th-28th.
Trials to select teams will be run on the first and third weekends of October. The probable venue is the Regent, 25 Waterloo Road, Dublin. Three partnerships from the leading two teams will play for the Republic in the various matches.
Each trialist must hold a minimum of 30 national points, or have won 16 during the last three years. Derogation from those conditions may be granted by the organising subcommittee - Kay Downes, Margo English and Michael McGloughlin. Players seeking derogation should submit applications making their case. Entries, including a fee of £240 per team, must reach the CBAI Central Office before September 21st.
The CBAI's national master, mixed pairs championship (Spiro Cup), and intermediate mixed pairs championship (Jim Fitzgerald Trophy) will be decided over three sessions in the Bridge Hotel, Waterford, next weekend. Entries: Paul Porteous (012697275).
The championship for the Harry Devine Memorial Trophy, in which all the players on a team must be members of the same club, will take place over two sessions in the Blackrock College RFC, Stradbrook Road, Blackrock, Co Dublin, on September 27th (2 p.m.).
Among the prizes, the winners will receive £20, and the best intermediates £80 plus the Maeve Devine Trophy. Entries: Kathleen Meade (01-2881614).
The Dublin South City team championship (Carroll Cup), which gives entry to the all-Ireland team championship (Burke Trophy), will be run over two sessions on September 27th (2.30 p.m.) in the Regent. Entries: Seamus Dowling (01-4933390).
The Drogheda congress, with over £6,000 in prizes, will be played in the Westcourt Hotel and the Droichead Arts Centre on October 2nd-4th. Brochures: Roger O'Shea (041-9828608).
Beginners lessons in the Bankers' Club, 93 St Stephen's Green, Dublin, starting on September 21st. Contact Paul Hanratty (012698104).
Honorary secretaries of clubs, regions and congresses note that items for publication should be sent to George Ryan, 15 Hampton Court, Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8