The Drogheda and Limerick bridge congresses will take place on October 6th-8th, with the former in the Westcourt Hotel, and the latter in the Limerick Inn.
Prizes to the value of over £6,000 will be awarded in Drogheda. The programme is: Friday (7.45 p.m.), mixed and novice pairs; Saturday (1 p.m.), four two-session pairs - major, confined (less than 30 national points), intermediate A and B; Sunday (noon), three two-session teams - major, inter A and B; open pairs throughout, with the final tournaments at 5.30 p.m. on Sunday.
Grand prix prizes in the following categories: senior, inter A, B, and open pairs. At close of play on Saturday a gala social with the Glen Miller Legacy 14-piece Swing Orchestra. Entries: Martin Treacy (0416854150). Limerick programme: Friday (7.30 p.m.), mixed and novice pairs; Saturday, schools pairs (10.30 a.m.), major, and intermediate two-session pairs (2 p.m.); Sunday (noon), two-session teams; open pairs throughout, with the final competitions at 7 p.m. Among the prizes, the major pairs, and team champions will receive £300, and the inter pairs champions £200. A notable feature of the congress is that the secretary, Gordon Lessells, issues a daily bulletin, which generates great interest, and provokes some controversy. Entries: J.G. Fulham (061-410827, evenings).
The two-session open pairs championship for the Dundalk Salver will be played in the Fairways Hotel, Dublin Road, on October 15th (2 p.m.). Entries: Kathleen Manning (042-9321337).
Open team championship (Harry Devine Memorial Trophy) at Blackrock College RFC, Blackrock, Co Dublin: 1, Dr H Barniville, J.P. MacHale, R. O'Farrell, C. Higgins; 2, F. and B. O'Farrell, P. Williams, B. Hunter. Best intermediates (Maeve Devine Trophy): M. and E. Hodkinson, L. and D. O'Donovan. Second session: M. Saunders, C. McStravick, J. O'Neill, J. Murphy. Blackrock prize: M. Dillon, H. Haugh, P. Ryder, P. Collins.