THE Northern Ireland Bridge Union's spring congress will be played from May 9th to 11th in the Causeway Coast Conference Centre, Ballyreagh, Portrush, while the South of Ireland congress will be in the Lake Hotel, Killarney, from May 10th to 18th.
The NIBU details are: Major, intermediate, and junior pairs championships on Friday (8.15 p.m.), and Saturday afternoon; mixed pairs on Saturday night, followed by a "Golden Oldies" disco; two session Swiss teams on Sunday, finishing at 9.30 p.m., open pairs throughout. Entries: I.H. Lindsay (Belfast 763113). Accommodation at the venue may be booked only through Mrs W.M. Kelso (Belfast 869760).
Killarney - major pairs on the nights of the first Saturday, and Sunday; mixed teams on Monday, and Tuesday night; women's, and men's teams on Wednesday night; mixed pairs on Thursday, and Friday night; major teams over two sessions on Saturday, and one on the final Sunday, followed at 8.00 p.in. by the congress dinner; open pairs throughout.
Further bridge details will be supplied by Peggy Cronin (064 34948), who will also accept entries. Accommodation at venue: 064-31035. Golf competitions will be played on four different local courses. Inquiries: Ann O'Shea (064-31296).
The major pairs championship of the Clonmel congress, held in the Presentation School, was won by T. MacCormac, and J. Clarson. Runners up were T. Mulcahy, and H. Prendergast, and third came E. Feerick, and J. Kenny. Intermediate prize: A. Kingston, T. Lonergan. Best Co Tipperary: B. O'Keeffe, D. Kelly. Clonmel: M. Lynch, J. Fogarty. Sessional winners: P. McCarthy, J. Spratt; C. Mcnerney, P.J. O'Dea.
Teams: 1, F. O'Farrell, M. Wall, S. O Lubaigh, G. Murtagh; 2, J. Clarson, R McCarthy, M. Burke, L. Sheeran. Best intermediates: B. Tucker, E. Moran, A. Kingston, A. Hynes.
Mixed pairs: 1, M. Hickey, J. Kiely; 2, D. O'Donnell, D. Morrissey; 3, H. and T. Prendergast. Best married: Mr and Mrs J. Phelan. Clonmel: A. Kingston, B. Lynch.
An Tostal teams, Youghal: 1, D. and A. Dillon, J. Russell, R.D. McGrath; 2, P.C. Kiely, K. Hayes, T. McCarthy, M. Finn; 3, C. Treacy, J. Kelly, T. and K. McAuliffe; 4, M. Boland, M. Reddy, B. Murphy, R. O'Shaughnessy.
The Tramore congress will take place from May 2nd to 5th in the Grand Hotel, and the Bridge Centre. Entries: Eileen Flynn (051 38 1223).