At the European open championships in Tenerife next June the Irish Bridge Union will be represented by T. Hanlon, and Dr H. McGann, who were selected directly, and by B.J. O'Brien, M. MacDonagh, P. O Briain, and T. Roche, who emerged successfully from exhaustive final trials held at the Regent, Waterloo Road, Dublin.
In the 64-board semi-finals O'Brien's team beat D. and T. Garvey, M. O Briain, and J. Carroll by the slender margin of two imps, while Dr G.M. Keaveney, R. Timlin, R. Boland, and N. Toibin won by 26 imps against T.G. Mackenzie, Dr H. Campbell, D. Mac Aonghusa, and D. Greenwood.
After 64 of the 96 boards had been played in the final the match was an exact draw. After 80 Keaveney had established a lead of 21 imps. However, O'Brien fought back to win at the post by two imps.
The Kilkenny congress will take place in the Hotel Kilkenny from November 17th to 19th. The programme is: Friday 7.30 p.m., mixed and novice pairs; Saturday 1.30 p.m., three two-session pairs championships - major, inter A, and B - followed by social.
Sunday 11.15 a.m., wine and cheese reception, and presentation of prizes, two-session teams (11.45 a.m.).
Open pairs, with separate novice sections, will be run throughout. The winners of the major, and inter A pairs championships will receive £400, and the runners-up £250.
Directors: M. Coffey, M. Murphy, Joe and John Murray. Inquiries: Teresa McGrath (05622855).
The Dublin North Region will run two pairs championships in the Malahide Regional Club on November 26th at 2.30 p.m. The major pairs (Marie Cummins Cup) is open to the inter A grade upwards and yields qualification for the national pairs (Davidson Cup).
Inquiries: Mary Kelly Rogers (01-8450028). All intermediate players are eligible to play in the inter A pairs (McLoughlin Cup) which yields qualification for the national inter A pairs (Laird Cup).
Inquiries: Madge Kinahan (018452224).
The Donegal congress will be played in the Abbey, and Central hotels from November 10th to 12th. Entries: Sandra McGinley (074-35266).