The Zanussi national bridge team championship (Holmes Wilson Trophy), played in the Stand House Hotel, at the Curragh, Co Kildare, attracted a record entry of 74 foursomes. A remarkable turnout indeed, when one bears in mind that not so long ago 30 teams was considered a good entry.
The event was won by D. Garvey, M. and P. O Briain, and T. Roche with a score of 289 victory points. Runners-up were N. Toibin, R. Boland, T. Garvey, and J. Carroll with 276. Third prize went to T. Hanlon, Dr H. McGann, Dr G.M. Keaveney, and R. Timlin with 275.5.
Further leading placings - 4, M. McGloughlin, D. Scannell, J. Heneghan, K. de Raeymaeker (Best men's prize), 264; 5, J. MacHale, T. Walsh, P. Pigot, D. MacAonghusa, 250; 6, A. and S. Glynn, M. Trench, P. Porteous (mixed), 249.
Other awards - Women: H. Lillis, B. Lynch, G. Finegan, C. Pippet. Senior: H. Holman, M. Browne, L.McRory, M.Kehoe. Master: P. Healy, D. Doheny, B. Ryan, M. Croke. Inter A: T. Lawlor, B. Martin, C. and R. Latham. Third session: P. and T. O'Neill, P. MacMahon, P. Meehan.
At the prestigious NEC championship in Yokohama, Japan, the Irish players, T. Hanlon, Dr H. McGann, P. Walshe, and A. Mesbur, invited for the first time, performed splendidly, to finish ninth, in a strong field of 30 teams.
The Irish Bridge Union's all-Ireland inter-county team championship (Burke Trophy) will be decided over three sessions in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone, on March 4th-5th.
South Munster simultaneous pairs venues - The Mills, Schull (March 5th), Lower Aghada, Brogeen /Newmarket/Kanturk, Fermoy, Curraghcrowley (March 6th). Contact: Olive Rose (02344947).
The Bankers' congress will be held in the Bankers' Club, St Stephen's Green, and the Templogue Centre, Dublin, from March 14th to 19th. Brochures: Dave Mulhall (01-2984393).
The inter-golf club team championship (Mollie Fox Cup) will be played in Elm Park GC, Dublin, on March 6th, and 13th. Entries: H Boland (01-2962620).
The Ballinasloe two-session open pairs championship (A.T. Cross Trophy), with prizes for all grades, will be run in Hayden's Hotel on March 12th (1 p.m.). Entries: Martin Loughnane (0905-73702).
A 12-night bridge holiday in Italy, August 21st-September 2nd. Details: Bernie Lynch (012882435)