The Contract Bridge Association of Ireland will play the Northern Ireland Bridge Union at the Dunadry Inn, Templepatrick, Co Antrim, on January 9th-10th, in their second match of the home internationals (Camrose Trophy) since their return to the series after a lapse of 47 years.
In their first match the CBAI beat Wales 48/12, while the NIBU went under by the same margin to the Scottish Bridge Union.
The CBAI team is Tom Hanlon, Dr H. McGann, Donal Garvey, Micheal O Briain, John Carroll, Tommy Garvey, and John Comyn (non-playing captain).
There are three changes in personnel from the Welsh tie with Carroll/Garvey rotating in for Pat Walshe, and Niall Toibin, and Comyn replacing Grainne Barton. Their other matches are against the English Bridge Union in Ennis on February 6th-7th, and against the SBU in Dublin on March 27th-28th.
The Dublin North festival will take place in the Great Southern Hotel, Dublin Airport, from January 15th to 17th. Gala open pairs - with prizes for the various categories - and novice pairs will be run on Friday (7.30 p.m.).
The two-session pairs on Saturday (2 p.m.) are - major; masters holding 30 or fewer national points; inter A; and inter B. The two-session major and intermediate teams will be played on Sunday (1 p.m.). Open pairs throughout.
Free parking.
Entries: Neil Burke (01-820 7614).
The Waterford congress will be held in Jurys Hotel from January 8th to 10th. Entries: Peggy Holden (051-855770).
The 29th Wexford congress will take place in the Talbot Hotel, and the Bridge Centre from February 5th to 7th. Brochures: Mrs D. Kelly (054-33472).
The building of the new national headquarters for the CBAI is continuing apace at Templeogue, Dublin, and it is expected that it will be ready for occupation in about three months. The total of contributions towards the cost still falls far short of the £125,000 required.