The Irish Bridge Union's open team for the European championships in Malta, next June, is T. Hanlon, Dr H. McGann, P. Walshe, N.Toibin, Dr G.M. Keaveney, and R. Timlin.
In the final of the trials, at the Regent, Dublin, Hanlon's foursome beat Keaveney/Timlin, T. Garvey, and J. Carroll. The cross imps system resulted in the former pair being awarded the caps. Semifinals: Hanlon beat P. O Briain, T. Roche, P. Pigot, and D. MacAonghusa, while Keaveney beat K. Hayes, P. McCarthy, C. O Dalaigh, and J. Clarson.
The placings in the home international championships, played at the Howth Lodge Hotel, Co Dublin, were - Junior Camrose: 1, England; 2, Wales; 3, Scotland; 4, Republic of Ireland ( M. Clarson, T. MacCormac, A. Barton, B. MacKenzie, M. Mitchell, D. Nolan, and non-playing captain, H. Dowling-Long).
Under 20 (Peggy Bayer Trophy): 1, England; 2, Scotland; 3, Wales; 4, Northern Ireland (S. Bavalia, D. Sloan, G. Bellingham, J. Cummings, and npc, C. Burns); 5, Republic (N. Pierse, E. Fox, S. Gilmartin, F. McInerney, M. Delahunty, J. Martin, and npc, R. King).
The venue for the national pairs championship (Lambert Cup) has been changed to the Nenagh Bridge Centre - in St John's Place. The event, which is confined to the master, and inter A grades, will be decided over two sessions on February 13th (1.30 p.m.). Prizes will be awarded down to third, plus sessionals, and also to the best inter A if entries are sufficient. Entries: Paul Porteous (01-2697275).
The Ferbane two-session open pairs championship, and a separate tournament for inter B, and novices will be run in the Grand Hotel, Moate, on February 21st (1.30 p.m.). Entries: Ultan McCabe (0902-54331).
Ennis congress, in the Auburn Lodge Hotel - pairs championships Major: 1, C. Coyne, D. Walsh; 2, A. Power, C. McInerney; 3, J. and A. Cleary. Sessionals: P. Quinn (Roscommon), J. Fahy; J. Kenny, E. Feerick. Best Clare: C. Murphy, D. Liddy. Mixed: 1, E. and J. Cleary; 2, U. Bennett, D. Houlihan; 3, C. Murphy, D. Liddy. Best inter: A. and P. Seery. Best Clare: J. Fitzgerald, P. Quinn.
Inter: 1, C. Connolly, B. Coleman; 2, A. O'Shaughnessy, K. O'Neill; 3, J. Rogers, E. O'Neill. Sessionals: M. Burke, E. Gallagher; M. Hogan, T. Colleary. B prizes: 1, A. Lough, W. McNamara; 2, D. and M. O'Neill. Novice: 1, M. Begley, N. Reidy; 2, A. Nash, C. Duggan; 3, (tie), M. Kelly, P. Deane, J. Clancy, M. McGuane.
Teams: 1, E.J. Fitzgerald, M. MacDonagh, E. Glynn, M. Hession; 2, B. Kirby, M. Hanrahan, N. Hickey, P.J. O'Dea; 3, G. Connoly, P. Liston, P. McCarthy, D. O'Sullivan.