The Kilkenny bridge congress, which takes place in the Hotel Kilkenny next weekend, begins on Friday with a cheese and mulled wine reception (7 p.m.), followed by mixed and novice pairs (7.30 p.m.).
On Saturday, there are separate two-session major and intermediate A pairs (1.30 p.m.), intermediate B pairs (7.30 p.m.), and a social (11.15 p.m.). On Sunday, there is the presentation of prizes and light refreshments (11.30 a.m.), and two-session teams with best intermediate prize subject to sufficient entries (noon).
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 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m. Novice open pairs on Saturday at 2 p.m. and on Sunday at 7 p.m.
Tournament directors: Joe and John Murray, M Coffey. Entries: Kathleen Power (056-7727138), or Patty Leahy (056-7762865).
The Dublin South Region's major team championship (Pigot Cup), which is a qualifier for the national team championship (Kelburne Cup), will be decided at the Regent Club, 25 Waterloo Road, on November 22nd and 29th at 7.30 p.m.
The region's three pairs championships, which give entry to their respective national championships, will be held at the Templeogue Centre on November 28th, with the two-session major and intermediate A events starting at 1.30 p.m., and the intermediate B/novice event at 7 p.m. Seán Treanor (086-8231178) will accept entries for all four competitions.
The international, Hilary Dowling-Long, will conduct a seminar, which will be of benefit to intermediate and area master players, at the Templeogue Centre, Dublin, on November 27th. Details: Maura Dowling (01-4933390).
The major pairs championship of the 30th Kenmare congress, played in the Kenmare Bay Hotel, was won by B and M Madden. Runners-up were A Dillon and M Kennefick. Third were D Reddan and L Mitchell. Intermediate prize: T Bambury, S Daly.
Mixed pairs: 1, B Hennessy, T McCarthy; 2, D Reddan, L Mitchell; 3, P Dignam, O Morgan. Intermediate prize: H Naaykens, E Murphy.
Teams: 1, A and D Dillon, M Kennefick, J Spratt; 2, P Dignam, O Morgan, P Downing, MB O'Sullivan. Tournament directors: W Mullins, P O'Sullivan.