The Republic beat Northern Ireland by 421 victory points to 296 in their annual bridge match (Sonya Britton Trophy) at the Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle, Co Down. The Southern open team, T. Hanlon, Dr H. McGann, N. Toibin, and P. Walshe, took the Col Walsh Trophy for the highest score overall, while the Republic's officials, J. Moran (captain), J. Cunningham, K. Downes, and P. Buckley, made it a clean sweep by winning the David Hannon Trophy for beating their counterparts in the direct match.
Other Republic teams - Women: C. Pippet, J. Kulchycky, H. Carroll, I. Hoy. Senior: M. Burke, G. Lessells, A. and E. Cleary. Inter A: R. McNamara, S. Hagan, M. Flynn, K. Clark. B: D. Berber, G. Lawlor, M. O. Brien, J. Butler.
Northern Ireland - Open: J. Murchan, C. Burns, M. O'Kane, W. Dukelow. Women: S. Millership, H. Hill, K. Murphy, F. Boyd. Senior: I. Hamilton, J. Ferguson, J. Lavery, M. Coffey. Inter A: H. McKnight, G. Smyth, B. Scott, P. McCartney, C. and M. Grimes. B: G. Stanley, S. Greene, R. Cochrane, R. Houston, R. Wilson, M. Brennan. Officials: S. Brown (captain), P. Dufton, M. Kelso, A. Hill, J. Millership, I. Lindsay, D. Hannon, G. Fitzgerald.
Ballybunion congress, Golf Hotel, September 8th-12th. Open pairs, Wednesday (7.30 p.m.), twice daily thereafter. Women's pairs, Thursday (7.30 p.m.); mixed pairs, Friday (2 p.m.), two sessions; likewise major pairs, Saturday. Teams, 12.30 p.m. to 5.15 p.m., Sunday. Special rate at venue, four nights dinner, B/B, pps, £140. Entries, Peg Mullins (066-25775).
Fun weekend of bridge, organised by Diane Greenwood (080-1849433395, from the Republic), Grand Central Hotel, Bundoran, October 15th-17th. Inclusive cost, £95 pps, £10 discount for over 55s. Morning seminars optional. Concessionary fees at nearby golf course.
Bangor (Co Down) congress, Marine Court Hotel - Major pairs: 1, E. Feerick, J. Kenny; 2, J. Comyn, M. Rosenberg; 3, J. Montgomery, J. Whiteside. Sessional winners: C. Richey, S. McKeague; J. Murchan, C. Burns. Swiss teams: 1, Murchan/Burns, T. MacCormac, E. Galligan; 2, I. Lindsay, R. Anderson, D. and D. Greenwood.
Non-expert: N. Irwin, D. Leeman, A. and C. Cramp. Junior/inter: 1, J. Stewart, M. Brennan, B. Huggard, A. Hall; 2, C. and M. Grimes, A. McGrogan, J. Robson.
Mixed pairs: 1, (tie), D. and D. Greenwood, G. Gowling, M. Mackenzie; 3, (tie), T. Young, D. McSwiney, D. McAughey, A. Fitzpatrick. Inter: C. and M. Grimes. Junior: R. and M. Walsh.
Inter pairs: 1, K. Dobson, R. Strain; 2, S. Sloan, D. Friel; 3, A. Brown, H. Conroy. Sessionals: D. Hanna, M. Bew; J. Tyndall, A. Lundy. Junior pairs: 1, M. Conroy, J. Morrow; 2, R. and P. McComb; 3, Stewart/Brennan. Sessionals: G. Stanley, S. Green; I. and C. Bell.