The Republic's slim hopes of winning the home international bridge championship (Camrose Trophy) for the second time were dashed when they were beaten in the final set of matches by the hot favourites, England, in Newport, Wales.
For the Irish to have had any chance of taking the trophy they needed to win by a minimum margin of 56-34, and also hope that Wales would not run up a big score against Scotland, which game was being played simultaneously.
In the event the Republic lost all three sets: the first, 16-14, the second, 25-4, and the third, 20-10, for an overall score of 61-28 in England's favour. Meanwhile, Wales beat Scotland 57-33, to leave the final standings as follows: 1, England, 233; 2, Wales, 205; 3, Republic, 179; 4, Scotland, 158; 5, Northern Ireland, 114.
The teams were: England: T. Priday, N. Sandqvist, D. Burn, B. Callaghan, R. Sheehan, C. Simpson, and D. Price (non-playing captain). Republic: T. Hanlon, Dr H. McGann, N. Toibin, P. Walshe, Dr G. M. Keaveney, R. Timlin, and M. Moran (non-playing captain).
The women's (Jackson Cup), and men's (Revington Cup) major, national pairs championships were decided over three sessions at the Templeogue Centre, Dublin, with the following gaining the leading placings - Women: 1, P. Kelly, S. Newell, 1,428; 2, B. Kirby, M. Hanrahan, 1,365; 3, M. Griffin, A. Onishuk, 1,308; 4, K. Lennon, K. Byrne, 1,295; 5, H. Lillis, T. Rigney, 1,284; 6, V. Hand, A. Montwill, 1,281.
Best masters: A. MacHale, C. Dowling-Long. Sessional winners: K. Vaughan, V. Burke Moran; F. Kelly, M. Slattery; Lennon/Byrne. Director: B. Lawlor.
Men: 1, S. ╙ Lubaigh, M. McGloughlin, 870; 2, B. J. O'Brien, T. Roche, 860; 3, J. Comyn, J. Moran, 814; 4, G. Lessells, A. Cleary, 788; 5, B. Pattinson, M. MacDonagh, 776; 6, M. ╙ Briain, J. Carroll, 774. Best sessions: L. Gaynor, D. Redmond; Lessells/Cleary; L. McKay, J. Phelan. Director: Joe Murray.
Three national pairs championship finals - major (Davidson cup), intermediate A (Laird Cup), and intermediate B (Civil Service Cup) will be staged next Saturday (1.30 p.m.), and Sunday (noon) in the Dolmen Hotel, Carlow.
All the competitors will have qualified from their respective regions.
The 25th Fermanagh congress will take place in the Manor House Country Hotel, Killadeas, Enniskillen, next weekend. Entries: Eric Lesage (028 66 344562, office hours).
The 64th West of Ireland congress, with over €6,000 in prizes, will be held at the Galway Centre from March 29th to April 1st. Brochures: Marcella Mitchell 091-757986).
The 40th Clonmel congress will be run in the Clonmel Arms Hotel from April 12th to 14th. Brochures: Dolores O'Donnell (052-21675).
There will be a bridge weekend in the Great Southern Hotel, Cork Airport, from April 12th to 14th. Details: Lea Macfarlane (021-4967260).