The Contract Bridge Association of Ireland's national major mixed pairs championship for the president, Michael O'Connor's prize and the Spiro Cup attracted an entry of 140 players, and was decided by the Swiss system over three sessions at the Galway Centre.
The event was won by B. Lynch, and D.A. Scannell with a score of 199 victory points. Runners-up were M. Duffy, and M. Ryder with 194. Third came M. Griffin, and B. Pattinson with 193. Joint fourth were M. Hanrahan, N. Hickey, C. and F. Pierse, M. and B. Madden, all on 192.
Other leading placings - 7 (tie), M. and S. Dowling, S. Newell, C. O'Driscoll (best masters), 189 each; 9, M. Trench, P. Quinn, 188; 10, P. Maguire, Dr G.M. Keaveney, 186.
Best third session: M. Harris, J. Cunningham. Intermediate section (Jim Fitzgerald Trophy): 1, D. Reid, C. Tierney, 175; 2, M. Moonan, S. Treanor, 174.
The first issue of the new season's Irish Bridge Journal is due out in October. The yearly subscription, £8, should be sent to Una Walsh, 41 Friarshill, Galway.
The Dun Laoghaire congress will run from September 28th to October 1st, in the Rochestown Lodge Hotel. Entries: Barry Hogsett (Telephone/Fax 01-2857853).
The Drogheda and Limerick congresses will take place on October 6th-8th. Drogheda brochures: Martin Treacy (0416854150). Limerick brochures: J.G. Fulham (061-410827 evenings).
Further Ballybunion congress prize-winners - mixed pairs: 1, M. Finn, D. O'Gorman; 2, Michael and Marlene O'Connor. Inter: P. O'Regan, G. McSweeney. Novice pairs: 1, N. Ryan, P. Chute; 2, M. McAuliffe, M. Enright; 3, T. and D. Moriarty.
Only recently I learned of the death of Oliver Meade some months ago. He was a former president of the CBAI, from Smarmore, Co Meath, and was one of the most popular officers ever to grace the association.