The programme for the 35th Cork bridge congress, which takes place next weekend in the Trident Hotel, Kinsale, is: Friday, mulled wine reception at 7 p.m., mixed, and novice pairs at 7.30 p.m; Saturday, 2 p.m., major, intermediate A and B, two-session pairs; Sunday, major and intermediate teams, with each over an extended session beginning at 11 a.m., and with presentation of prizes at 5 p.m.
Open pairs will be run on Friday at 7.30 p.m., on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7.30 p.m., and on Sunday at noon and 2 p.m. In prizes, the two-session pairs champions will receive €400, and the team champions €500.
Tournament directors are Kieran Groeger, Billy Mullins, Maureen O'Riordan, and Pat O'Sullivan. Entries: Deirdre O'Leary (021-4541128).
New championships on the European Bridge League calendar will be held from June 14th to 28th in Menton, France.
Menton is a Mediterranean town close to the Italian border, a few minutes on the train from Monte Carlo, and quite convenient to Nice. No trials will be held to select representatives. Anyone can enter.
The events include: mixed teams; mixed pairs; open women's and senior teams; open women's and senior pairs; and open pairs.
Further details are available from the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland, Kay Downes, (01-4947726).
For the Northern Ireland Bridge Union, the contact is Dr Alan Hill, (048-92-601882).
Coming events include: on January 11th-12th, home international championship (Camrose Trophy), Northern Ireland v Republic, in Rosspark Hotel, Kells, Co Antrim; on January 18th-19th, women's (Jackson Cup), and men's (Revington Cup) national pairs on Saturday, and women's (McMenamin Bowl), and men's (Geraldine Trophy) national teams on Sunday, in Johnstown House Hotel, Enfield, Co Meath; January 24th -26th, Dublin North Festival, and Ennis Congress; January 25th-26th, Junior Camrose (under 25), and Peggy Bayer Trophy (under 20), Belfast; January 26th, Kilkenny open pairs championship (Lady Bellew Cup).